Suggests the person is patiently enduring the wait, often with no control over the timing. The flight was delayed, so passengers had to cool their heels in the lounge.
Pro Tip 2/3
Potentially Unpleasant
Used when the wait might be frustrating or longer than expected. The interviewees cooled their heels for hours as the team deliberated.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
The phrase is figurative; it doesn't involve actual cooling of the heels. After submitting her application, she had to cool her heels for weeks.