A pain in the neck
idiomatic expression
Someone or something that is very annoying.
My little brother can be such a pain in the neck when he wants attention.
Often appears as...
- being a pain in the neck
- such a pain in the neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
idiomatic expression
A problem or difficult task.
This report is a real pain in the neck, it's taking me forever to finish.
Often appears as...
- real pain in the neck
- such a pain in the neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
idiomatic expression
Someone or something that is very annoying.
My little brother can be such a pain in the neck when he wants attention.
Often appears as...
- being a pain in the neck
- such a pain in the neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
idiomatic expression
A problem or difficult task.
This report is a real pain in the neck, it's taking me forever to finish.
Often appears as...
- real pain in the neck
- such a pain in the neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Personification
Use this phrase to attribute human-like irritants to inanimate objects or situations.
My tangled headphones are being a pain in the neck today.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Exaggeration
It's often used to exaggerate minor inconveniences for a humorous effect.
This puzzle is a real pain in the neck, but I love it!
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
The phrase can express frustration in a somewhat playful way, without being harsh.
You're being such a pain in the neck, stop teasing me!
Pro Tip 1/3Personification
Use this phrase to attribute human-like irritants to inanimate objects or situations.
My tangled headphones are being a pain in the neck today.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Exaggeration
It's often used to exaggerate minor inconveniences for a humorous effect.
This puzzle is a real pain in the neck, but I love it!
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
The phrase can express frustration in a somewhat playful way, without being harsh.
You're being such a pain in the neck, stop teasing me!
Pro Tip 1/3Personification
Use this phrase to attribute human-like irritants to inanimate objects or situations.
My tangled headphones are being a pain in the neck today.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Exaggeration
It's often used to exaggerate minor inconveniences for a humorous effect.
This puzzle is a real pain in the neck, but I love it!
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
The phrase can express frustration in a somewhat playful way, without being harsh.
You're being such a pain in the neck, stop teasing me!
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