Idioms

break your neck

break (one's) neck

1. To put forth a great deal of effort. I've been breaking my neck trying to get a passing grade this semester, so failing by two measly points is incredibly frustrating. Don't break your neck trying to please these people—they'll never appreciate it. I've been breaking my neck to find a way out of these legal problems, but, as of now, I'm still going to prison.
2. To harm or punish one very severely. Typically used as a warning or a threat. Be careful—the boss will break your neck if he catches you using company property like that. You just watch yourself, pal. If I see you snooping around here again, I'll break your neck! You better not cross that guy, Steve. He'll have his goons break your neck without a second thought!
See also: break, neck
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

break your ˈneck (doing something/to do something)

(informal) make a great effort: There’s no need to break your neck trying to get here by five. We can always wait for you.
See also: break, neck
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in classic literature
'And I pray that he may break your neck: take him, and he damned, you beggarly interloper!
View in context
Do you want to run away, you ferocious beast, and break your neck?" when all the time the horse was not doing anything in the world, and only looked like he wanted to lean up against something and think.
View in context
`My wife said, `If you break your neck again, you're calling your own ambulance,' ' Tinsley said, his eyes watering with laughter.
Friendship helps ease grueling recoveries
'I'll break your neck and his bloody arm,' he told Emu.
Chat show: Parky takes time out to talk to city Press Club
If you break your neck as high up as that, there's a fair chance it kills you."
It's bad timing, but when is a good time to break your neck?"
Niven's brush with death; Sidelined rider recalls innocuous fall that has put him out for three months
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