The neck: it connects our head to our body, and apparently, it also connects us to a wealth of idioms! These unexpected expressions use the neck as a metaphor, offering a colorful way to describe situations and personal qualities. So, loosen your metaphorical tie (or loosen up altogether!), and get ready to explore the fascinating world of neck idioms!
List of Neck Idioms
Neck and neck
Stick your neck out
Breathe down someone’s neck
Breakneck speed
Neck of the woods
Risk life and limb
Save someone’s neck
Get it in the neck
Risk your neck
Have your neck on the line
Up to your neck in something
Break your neck
On someone’s neck
Get a lump in your throat
Have a pain in the neck
Stiff neck
Neck Idioms with Meaning and Examples
Neck and neck
Meaning: To be at the same level or in a tie, especially in a race or competition.
Example: The two runners were neck and neck as they approached the finish line.
Stick your neck out
Meaning: To take a risk or make oneself vulnerable.
Example: I’ll stick my neck out and say that she’ll be promoted soon.
Breathe down someone’s neck
Meaning: To watch someone closely, often making them feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Example: The deadline is approaching, and my boss has been breathing down my neck all week.
Breakneck speed
Meaning: Extremely fast or dangerously quick.
Example: He drove at breakneck speed to get to the hospital.
Neck of the woods
Meaning: A particular area or neighborhood.
Example: I haven’t seen him in this neck of the woods for years.
Risk life and limb
Meaning: To put oneself in danger, often to achieve something.
Example: Climbing that mountain is not worth risking life and limb.
Save someone’s neck
Meaning: To rescue or protect someone from harm or punishment.
Example: His lawyer managed to save his neck by finding a loophole in the law.
Get it in the neck
Meaning: To receive criticism or punishment.
Example: If we don’t meet the deadline, we’ll all get it in the neck from the boss.
Risk your neck
Meaning: Put oneself in danger.
Example: He risked his neck to save the stranded hikers.
Have your neck on the line
Meaning: Be in a situation where one’s job or reputation is at risk.
Example: If this project fails, I’ll have my neck on the line.
Up to your neck in something
Meaning: Deeply involved in a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: She’s up to her neck in debt; she can’t afford to pay her bills.
Break your neck
Meaning: Make a great effort or take great risks to achieve something.
Example: He’s breaking his neck to finish the project on time.
On someone’s neck
Meaning: Watching or monitoring someone closely.
Example: The boss is on my neck about finishing the report.
Get a lump in your throat
Meaning: Feel a tightness or emotion that makes it difficult to speak.
Example: When she talked about her childhood, she got a lump in her throat.
Have a pain in the neck
Meaning: Be annoyed or irritated by someone or something.
Example: Dealing with all these paperwork is a pain in the neck.
Stiff neck
Meaning: Physical discomfort or stiffness in the neck.
Example: I must have slept wrong; I woke up with a stiff neck.
So next time you’re looking to add a touch of vividness to your conversations, don’t be afraid to use a neck idiom! They’ll add a touch of personality and intrigue, making you a more captivating speaker.
What’s your favorite neck idiom? Share it in the comments, and let’s get this conversation rolling!
