What does “Up to the neck” mean?
"Up to the neck" means being completely overwhelmed or deeply involved in something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm up to the neck in work right now.
Example
She's up to the neck in debt and struggling to make ends meet.
Example
He's up to the neck in the investigation and working tirelessly to solve the case
Is “Up to the neck” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Up to the 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 the neck” effectively in context?
You can use "Up to the neck" to describe a situation where someone is completely overwhelmed or deeply involved in something. It emphasizes the extent to which someone is immersed in a particular activity or burdened by a certain situation. For example, if a friend asks how you're doing with your workload, you might say, 'I'm up to the neck in work right now.'
- 1Work
I'm up to the neck in work right now.
- 2Financial Struggles
She's up to the neck in debt and struggling to make ends meet.
- 3Investigation
He's up to the neck in the investigation and working tirelessly to solve the case.
Similar phrases to “Up to the neck”:
To be overwhelmed or inundated with work or responsibilities
Example
I'm swamped with work right now.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Up to the neck” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Up to the neck" is unknown.
Is “Up to the neck” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Up to the neck" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe being overwhelmed or deeply involved in a particular situation or task.
What tone does “Up to the neck” have?
"Up to the neck" conveys a tone of being overwhelmed or burdened. It suggests that someone is fully immersed in a situation and may be struggling to manage or cope with it.
Can “Up to the neck” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Up to the neck" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes being overwhelmed or deeply involved. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as 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, 'She's up to the neck in debt and struggling to make ends meet.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "up to the neck"!' to imply being overwhelmed.
