Wring somebody’s neck
phrase
To want to harm someone because they have annoyed you.
I'd like to wring his neck for lying to me.
Often appears as...
- like to wring somebody’s neck
- want to wring somebody’s neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
In a literal sense, to throttle or strangle someone.
His hands were so tight around my throat, I thought he was going to wring my neck.
Often appears as...
- hands wring somebody’s neck
- try to wring somebody’s neck
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To want to harm someone because they have annoyed you.
I'd like to wring his neck for lying to me.
Often appears as...
- like to wring somebody’s neck
- want to wring somebody’s neck
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
In a literal sense, to throttle or strangle someone.
His hands were so tight around my throat, I thought he was going to wring my neck.
Often appears as...
- hands wring somebody’s neck
- try to wring somebody’s neck
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Anger
The phrase is often used to express extreme frustration, not actual violence.
Every time you forget your keys, I could wring your neck!
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Context
It conveys annoyance but can be used humorously among friends.
You ate the last cookie? I'm going to wring your neck!
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Rarely does someone mean they will physically hurt someone; it's hyperbole.
If he bails on us again, I might just wring his neck!
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