English idiom

neck and neck

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

very close in a competition, neither side clearly ahead

Why this phrase?

Competitors are pictured at the finish with their necks level, so neither is visibly ahead.

Example

“The two products are neck and neck on performance.”

Dictionary details

Component words

neck

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

breathe down someone's neck

to monitor someone so closely that they feel pressured or uncomfortable

neck of the woods

someone's local area or part of the country

give someone a run for their money

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

below par

worse than the normal or expected standard

cut both ways

to produce both helpful and harmful effects or implications

deep pockets

having a great deal of money to spend

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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