Neck and neck
Meaning
To be extremely close to someone or something in a competition or race, with neither having a clear advantage.
Origin
The phrase "neck and neck" gallops straight out of the thunderous world of 19th-century horse racing. When two horses were so evenly matched that their heads, and specifically their necks, were perfectly aligned side-by-side as they charged towards the finish line, they were described as being "neck and neck." This vivid visual metaphor perfectly captured the intense closeness of the competition, where neither horse had a discernible lead. It soon broke free from the racetrack, becoming a vivid and enduring way to describe any incredibly close contest or competition, whether in politics, business, or other sports.
Examples
- The two leading candidates in the election are running neck and neck according to the latest polls, making the outcome highly unpredictable.
- As they approached the finish line, the runners were neck and neck, their feet pounding the track in a desperate sprint for victory.