16 Idioms related to neck and throat

1. Neck and neck

• Meaning: In close competition; at the same level of performance or progress.

• Sentence Usage 1: The two runners were neck and neck as they approached the finish line.

• Sentence Usage 2: The teams are neck and neck in the standings, making the final games crucial.

2. (A) millstone around your neck

• Meaning: A heavy burden or problem that hinders one's progress or well-being.

• Sentence Usage 1: The debt became a millstone around his neck, affecting his ability to pursue his goals.

• Sentence Usage 2: The unresolved conflict was like a millstone around the team's neck, impacting their performance.

3. (A) pain in the neck

• Meaning: An annoying or troublesome person or situation.

• Sentence Usage 1: Dealing with constant delays has become a real pain in the neck for the project manager.

• Sentence Usage 2: The long commute to work is a daily pain in the neck for him.

4. Stick one's neck out

• Meaning: Take a risk or make an effort, especially when it involves potential danger or criticism.

• Sentence Usage 1: I decided to stick my neck out and propose a new idea during the meeting.

• Sentence Usage 2: Sticking your neck out is essential for innovation and progress.

5. A yoke around one's neck

• Meaning: An oppressive or burdensome responsibility or obligation.

• Sentence Usage 1: The constant pressure to meet unrealistic targets felt like a yoke around her neck.

• Sentence Usage 2: The financial troubles became a yoke around the company's neck.

6. At each other's throats

• Meaning: Engaged in a heated argument or conflict.

• Sentence Usage 1: The siblings were constantly at each other's throats over trivial matters.

• Sentence Usage 2: The political rivals were at each other's throats during the debate.

7. Cut your own throat

• Meaning: Engage in actions that harm one's own interests or well-being.

• Sentence Usage 1: Engaging in unethical practices can cut your own throat in the long run.

• Sentence Usage 2: Constantly missing deadlines will cut your own throat in a competitive environment.

8. Jump down someone's throat

• Meaning: React angrily or critically to someone's statement or action.

• Sentence Usage 1: She tends to jump down people's throats if they disagree with her opinions.

• Sentence Usage 2: Don't jump down his throat; he's just expressing his viewpoint.

9. Ram (something) down someone's throat

• Meaning: Forcefully impose an idea or information on someone, often without their consent.

• Sentence Usage 1: The teacher shouldn't ram the information down students' throats; they need time to absorb it.

• Sentence Usage 2: It's not effective to ram your opinions down someone's throat; it's better to engage in a respectful discussion.

10. Stick in one's throat

• Meaning: Cause discomfort or resistance, especially when discussing or accepting something.

• Sentence Usage 1: The idea of working with him stuck in her throat, given their past disagreements.

• Sentence Usage 2: The apology seemed insincere and stuck in my throat.

11. Down the neck of a bottle

• Meaning: Drinking alcohol; referring to the act of consuming a beverage, typically alcoholic, from a bottle.

• Sentence Usage 1: He spent the evening going down the neck of a bottle, drowning his sorrows.

• Sentence Usage 2: After a tough day, she decided to relax by going down the neck of a bottle of wine.

12. Throat-clearing

• Meaning: Indicating hesitation or a prelude to speaking; a sound made to prepare the throat for speech.

• Sentence Usage 1: His constant throat-clearing during the meeting was distracting and annoying.

• Sentence Usage 2: The speaker's throat-clearing before announcing the decision added suspense to the room.

13. Jump down someone's throat

• Meaning: React angrily or critically to someone's statement or action.

• Sentence Usage 1: She tends to jump down people's throats if they disagree with her opinions.

• Sentence Usage 2: Don't jump down his throat; he's just expressing his viewpoint.

14. Lump in one's throat

• Meaning: A feeling of tightness or emotion, often experienced when one is about to cry or feels moved.

• Sentence Usage 1: The touching tribute brought a lump to her throat.

• Sentence Usage 2: The actor's heartfelt speech gave the audience a lump in their throats.

15. Cut someone's throat

• Meaning: Betray or undermine someone's interests, especially for personal gain.

• Sentence Usage 1: He was willing to cut his colleague's throat to get ahead in the competition.

• Sentence Usage 2: The political intrigue involved attempts to cut each other's throats for power.

16. Catch in one's throat

• Meaning: Experience difficulty speaking or a feeling of emotional constriction.

• Sentence Usage 1: The news of the unexpected loss caught in her throat during the interview.

• Sentence Usage 2: He had to pause to clear the catch in his throat before making the announcement.