15 Idioms With Neck Commonly Used In English Grammar

Idioms are special phrases that have meanings different from the individual words they contain. In the English language, many idioms include the word “neck,” and they are commonly used in everyday conversation. For example, “sticking your neck out” means taking a risk or putting yourself in a vulnerable position. These idioms add flavour to our language and help express feelings and situations more vividly. Understanding these neck idioms can make your English more interesting and relatable.

Read more: Best Idioms with Examples and Meanings

Pain in the Neck

Meaning: “Pain in the neck” means someone or something that is very annoying or troublesome.

Example: I love working with this team, but Mark is a real pain in the neck with his constant interruptions.

Dead from the neck up

Meaning: “Dead from the neck up” is an informal and somewhat harsh expression used to describe someone who seems to lack intelligence, common sense, or awareness.

Example: He forgot his own birthday party. He’s dead from the neck up!”

Stick your neck out

Meaning: The idiom “stick your neck out” means to take a risk or put yourself in a vulnerable position to support or help someone, or to make a bold statement or decision.

Example: If you stick your neck out for a friend by defending them in a heated discussion, you might face criticism from others who disagree.

Risk your neck

Meaning: The idiom “risk your neck” means to put yourself in a risky situation, where there’s a chance of serious harm or trouble.

Example: He is risking his neck because he is putting himself in a very dangerous situation.

Neck and neck

Meaning: “Neck and neck” is an idiom used to describe a situation where two or more things or people are very close in competition, making it difficult to determine a winner or leader.
Example: In the final lap of the race, both runners were neck and neck, making it impossible to tell who would win until the very last moment.

To save your neck

Meaning: The idiom “to save your neck” refers to doing something to protect oneself from harm or negative consequences.

Example: He told the truth to save his neck, even though it meant losing his job.

A crick in one’s neck

Meaning: “A crick in one’s neck” means when your neck feels tight and it’s hard to move it.

Example: I woke up with a crick in my neck after sleeping in an uncomfortable position on the couch.

A millstone around your neck

Meaning: The idiom “a millstone around your neck” means having a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to get rid of.

Example: Having to pay off his large debt was like a millstone around Rohit’s neck; it weighed him down and made his life stressful.

Neck of the woods

Meaning: “Neck of the woods” refers to a specific area or neighbourhood, usually where someone lives or is familiar with.

Example: If you live in a small town and someone asks, “What’s new in your neck of the woods?” they are asking about any recent events or news in your area.

Wring his or her neck

Meaning: The phrase “wring his or her neck” is an idiomatic expression used informally to convey extreme anger towards someone.
Example: After hearing about the broken vase, I could wring his neck!

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5 Meaningful Idioms with Neck

The idioms mentioned add colour to language by comparing abstract ideas to the physical experience of the neck. Understanding common neck idioms can help you communicate more naturally in English.

Stick my neck out

Meaning: To “stick my neck out” means to take a risk or do something that might cause trouble or criticism.

Example: I decided to stick my neck out and suggest a new idea at the meeting, even though I knew it might not be popular.

I’m up to my neck

Meaning: The idiom “I’m up to my neck” means that someone is very busy or deeply involved in something, usually work or problems.

Example: I can’t go out tonight because I’m up to my neck in homework.

Break your neck

Meaning: “Break your neck” means to work very hard or put in a lot of effort to achieve something.

Example: She had to break her neck to finish the project on time.

Breathe down someone’s neck

Meaning: “Breathe down someone’s neck” means to closely watch or monitor someone in a way that feels intrusive or stressful.

Example: When a manager keeps checking on an employee’s work every few minutes. The employee might feel uncomfortable and stressed because it seems like the manager is “breathing down their neck.”

Have your neck on the line

Meaning: The phrase “have your neck on the line” means to be in a risky or precarious situation, where one’s reputation, career, or well-being is at stake.

Example: By recommending my friend for the job, I’ve really put my neck on the line. If he messes up, it could ruin my reputation.

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