What does “Up to One’s Neck” mean?
"Up to One's Neck" means being completely involved or overwhelmed with something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm up to my neck in work right now.
Example
She's up to her neck in debt and can't afford to pay her bills.
Example
He's up to his neck in the middle of a messy divorce
Is “Up to One’s Neck” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Up to One’s Neck” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Up to One’s Neck” effectively in context?
You can use "Up to One’s Neck" to describe a situation where someone is completely involved or overwhelmed with something. It emphasizes the level of intensity or extent of their involvement. For example, if a friend is swamped with work, you might say, 'I'm up to my neck in work right now.'
- 1Work
I'm up to my neck in work right now.
- 2Financial Problems
She's up to her neck in debt and can't afford to pay her bills.
- 3Personal Issues
He's up to his neck in the middle of a messy divorce.
Similar phrases to “Up to One’s Neck”:
To be overwhelmed or inundated with tasks or responsibilities
Example
I'm swamped with work right now.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Up to One’s Neck” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Up to One’s Neck" is unknown.
Is “Up to One’s Neck” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Up to One’s Neck" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express being completely overwhelmed or involved in a situation.
What tone does “Up to One’s Neck” have?
"Up to One’s Neck" conveys a tone of being overwhelmed or fully immersed in something. It can be used to express stress, frustration, or a heavy workload.
Can “Up to One’s Neck” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Up to One’s Neck" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being completely involved or overwhelmed. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm up to my neck in work right now.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "up to my neck"!' to imply being overwhelmed.
