Breathe down somebody’s neck
verb
To closely observe or monitor someone, usually causing them discomfort or stress.
My boss is always breathing down my neck about deadlines.
Often appears as...
- boss breathing down my neck
- breathing down my neck about
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To chase or pursue someone closely.
The police were breathing down his neck, he had nowhere to run.
Often appears as...
- police breathing down his neck
- breathing down their necks
Usage tips
Informal, Neutral
Idiomatic
verb
To closely observe or monitor someone, usually causing them discomfort or stress.
My boss is always breathing down my neck about deadlines.
Often appears as...
- boss breathing down my neck
- breathing down my neck about
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To chase or pursue someone closely.
The police were breathing down his neck, he had nowhere to run.
Often appears as...
- police breathing down his neck
- breathing down their necks
Usage tips
Informal, Neutral
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Workplace Pressure
Often used to describe supervisors or managers who closely monitor employees, causing stress.
I can't concentrate with the manager breathing down my neck all the time.
Pro Tip 2/3Privacy Invasion
Implies an uncomfortable level of scrutiny and lack of personal space.
Stop breathing down my neck while I'm working on this project.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Meaning
It's a metaphorical expression and doesn't involve actual physical breathing.
Even though he’s on vacation, it feels like his boss is still breathing down his neck.
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