break (one's) neck

break (one's) neck

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.

See also: break, neck

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

break one's neck (to do something)

 and break one's back (to do something)

Fig. to work very hard to accomplish something. I broke my neck to get here on time. There is no point in breaking your back. Take your time.

See also: break, neck

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

break one's neck

see under break one's back.

See also: break, neck

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.

break your neck to do something

exert yourself to the utmost to achieve something. informal

See also: break, neck, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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

break (one's) neck

To make the utmost possible effort.

See also: break, neck

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.