By a neck

phrase

Winning or succeeding by a very narrow margin.

The first horse won the race by a neck.
Visual representation of "by a neck" - Winning or succeeding by a very narrow margin

Often appears as...

  • won by a neck
  • lead by a neck

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Winning or succeeding by a very narrow margin.

The first horse won the race by a neck.
Visual representation of "by a neck" - Winning or succeeding by a very narrow margin

Often appears as...

  • won by a neck
  • lead by a neck

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "by a neck"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Racing Origin

The phrase originates from horse racing, where a 'neck' is the literal margin of victory.

Illustration for Racing Origin
He's an avid gambler and often bets on horses that win by a neck.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Close Competitions

Use 'by a neck' to describe very close competitions, not just races, to emphasize how narrow the win was.

Illustration for Close Competitions
She won the spelling bee by a neck, with the final word tipping the scale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

The phrase is often used figuratively, meaning it's not about actual physical distances.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The incumbent politician won the election by a neck, just a few votes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Racing Origin

The phrase originates from horse racing, where a 'neck' is the literal margin of victory.

Illustration for Racing Origin
He's an avid gambler and often bets on horses that win by a neck.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Close Competitions

Use 'by a neck' to describe very close competitions, not just races, to emphasize how narrow the win was.

Illustration for Close Competitions
She won the spelling bee by a neck, with the final word tipping the scale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

The phrase is often used figuratively, meaning it's not about actual physical distances.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The incumbent politician won the election by a neck, just a few votes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Racing Origin

The phrase originates from horse racing, where a 'neck' is the literal margin of victory.

Illustration for Racing Origin
He's an avid gambler and often bets on horses that win by a neck.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Close Competitions

Use 'by a neck' to describe very close competitions, not just races, to emphasize how narrow the win was.

Illustration for Close Competitions
She won the spelling bee by a neck, with the final word tipping the scale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

The phrase is often used figuratively, meaning it's not about actual physical distances.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The incumbent politician won the election by a neck, just a few votes.
Visual representation of the word "By a neck"

Never forget "By a neck"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top