PhrasesHub

neck and neck

    Definitions

      • Equal or close competition
        Describing a situation where two or more competitors are running or performing at the same pace, making it difficult to determine who will win or succeed

      • Close proximity or similarity
        Referring to two things or people that are very similar or close in distance, often used to highlight a comparison or contrast between them

      • Tied or even
        Indicating a situation where two or more teams or individuals have the same score or ranking, making it difficult to determine a clear winner

    Examples of neck and neck

    • The two runners crossed the finish line neck and neck, making it impossible to determine who would win the race.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where two people or things are equally matched or competing closely. The phrase "neck and neck" comes from horse racing, where two horses run so close to each other that their necks are almost touching.

    • The sales figures for both companies have been neck and neck for the past quarter, making it anyone's guess who will come out on top.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a situation where two companies are equally competitive in terms of sales. The phrase "neck and neck" highlights the close nature of the competition and suggests that the outcome is uncertain.

    • The two tennis players played an intense match that was neck and neck until the very end.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a close and exciting tennis match where both players are equally matched. The phrase "neck and neck" emphasizes the close nature of the match and suggests that the outcome is uncertain until the very end.

    • The candidates in the election are neck and neck in the polls, making it a tight race.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a situation where two candidates in an election are equally popular or have similar levels of support. The phrase "neck and neck" highlights the close nature of the race and suggests that the outcome is uncertain.

    • The two boxers went toe to toe in the ring, trading blows neck and neck until the final round.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a close and intense boxing match where both boxers are equally matched. The phrase "neck and neck" emphasizes the close nature of the match and suggests that the outcome is uncertain until the very end.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "neck and neck" is often used to describe a situation of equal or close competition, whether it be in sports, business, or other areas. It can also refer to close proximity or similarity between two things or people. In addition, it can indicate a tied or even score or ranking, making it difficult to determine a clear winner.

    In sports, "neck and neck" is commonly used to describe a close race or game where competitors are running or performing at the same pace, making it challenging to predict who will come out on top. In business, it can be used to describe a tight competition between companies or individuals striving for the same goal.

    The phrase can also be used in everyday conversations to highlight a comparison or contrast between two things or people that are very similar or close in distance. For example, "The two restaurants are neck and neck in terms of quality and customer service."

    In situations where two or more teams or individuals have the same score or ranking, "neck and neck" can be used to indicate a tied or even competition. This is often seen in sports tournaments or academic rankings.

    Origin of "neck and neck"

    The origin of the idiom "neck and neck" is believed to come from horse racing, where horses would often be neck and neck as they approached the finish line, making it difficult for spectators to determine the winner. This phrase was first recorded in the 18th century and has since been used to describe close competitions in various areas.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the expression "neck and heels," which referred to a horse running at full speed with its head stretched out and its hind legs tucked in close to its body. This position gave the appearance of the horse's neck and heels being in line with each other, hence the phrase "neck and neck."

    Today, "neck and neck" is a commonly used idiom to describe any situation of close competition or similarity. Its origins in horse racing may have been lost over time, but the phrase continues to be a popular and easily understood way to convey a sense of equal or close competition.