breathe down (one's) neck
1. To monitor someone closely, usually in an overbearing and irritating way. I just got another email from the boss asking about the status of this report, as if breathing down my neck is going to make me finish it faster! Come on, man, get out of here! I'm going to get this report done whether you breathe down my neck about it or not. Ever since my parents caught me sneaking out, they've been breathing down my neck—it's so annoying.
2. To be physically close to someone in an unnerving or unwanted way. Back up, dude—I'll never make this shot with you breathing down my neck! My younger siblings are like my shadow. They're always breathing down my neck, and I can't get a moment's peace. I hate when people breathe down my neck at the reception desk. Take a seat, someone will be with you shortly!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
breathe down someone's neck
1. Pursue someone closely; pose a threat to one, as in The immigration authorities were breathing down his neck. [Mid-1900s]
2. Watch or supervise someone very closely, as in The boss is always breathing down our necks. [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.