To have a brass neck
Meaning
To act with extreme impudence or audacious boldness, often in a shameless or arrogant manner.
Origin
The phrase "to have a brass neck" vividly paints a picture of someone so utterly impervious to shame or criticism that their neck, the very part that might blush or bow in embarrassment, seems to be forged from solid, unyielding brass. This image, predominantly British, evokes the metal's hardness and its dull, unreflective sheen, suggesting a complete lack of sensitivity or self-awareness. It's not just boldness; it's a brazen, often audacious, confidence that shrugs off any social discomfort, allowing someone to act with incredible impudence as if blushes were simply impossible for their metallic composure. The phrase encapsulates the essence of shameless nerve, portraying a person whose audacity is as sturdy and unyielding as the metal itself.
Examples
- After criticizing everyone else's work, she had the brass neck to demand praise for her own mediocre effort.
- Despite being caught red-handed, the student had a brass neck to deny any wrongdoing and blame his classmates.