Neck Meaning
Neck Definition & Usage
The part of the body that connects the head to the rest of the body. It includes the throat, muscles, and vertebrae.
Examples
- "She had a delicate necklace that rested just above her neck."
- "The doctor examined his neck for signs of injury after the car accident."
- "His neck was stiff from sleeping in an awkward position."
- "The neck is crucial for supporting the head and enabling movement."
- "He felt a sharp pain in his neck when he turned it too quickly."
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land or water.
Examples
- "The Isthmus of Panama is a narrow neck of land connecting North and South America."
- "They sailed through the narrow neck between the islands."
- "The neck of the peninsula was covered with dense forest."
- "The strategic importance of the neck of land was vital for the ancient city’s defense."
- "The neck of land was often flooded during high tide, making it difficult to traverse."
A critical or vulnerable point in a situation, often referred to as a 'bottleneck.'
Examples
- "The negotiations reached a neck-and-neck situation, with both sides refusing to compromise."
- "The neck of the problem was a lack of resources."
- "The company's growth hit a neck point as it struggled to scale its operations."
- "His proposal was considered the neck of the issue—if it failed, the whole project would collapse."
- "The game came down to the neck of the match, with only a few seconds remaining."
To speed up or exert additional effort, especially in a race or competition.
Examples
- "He tried to neck the race, but lost in the final lap."
- "She was determined to neck the competition and came in first place."
- "I had to neck the last few kilometers to finish in time."
- "They necked it to the finish line, despite the odds."
- "At the last moment, the runner managed to neck it and win the gold medal."
Cultural Context
The word 'neck' is derived from Old English 'necc' and has been used to describe both the anatomical part of the body and geographical features for centuries. In various cultures, the neck is a symbol of strength, vulnerability, and grace, depending on context. In art, literature, and mythology, the neck often plays a symbolic role in themes of beauty, mortality, or power.
The Race to the Neck
Story
The Race to the Neck
In a small town nestled between two mountains, the annual Grand Race was the highlight of the year. It wasn't just about who could run the fastest, but about who could conquer the neck of the race: a steep, narrow trail that snaked between the hills and led to the finish line. Every runner knew that the neck of the race was the critical point. If you could master it, you’d be halfway to victory. Tommy had been training for months. He was known for his speed, but he wasn't sure how he'd fare in the neck of the race. His legs were strong, but the terrain would test his endurance. As the race began, he shot ahead, but when they reached the neck, a winding, rocky stretch, he felt his legs begin to cramp. He saw Sally, his biggest rival, push ahead. She was neck-and-neck with him. But then, Tommy remembered his coach’s advice: 'The neck of the race is where the race is won. Don’t rush it. Find your rhythm.' He slowed, took deep breaths, and with each step, focused on the moment. The neck of the trail narrowed even more, and it became clear that only those who could control their pace would succeed. Sally, on the other hand, pushed too hard. Her confidence in her speed became her downfall. She stumbled, her foot catching on a loose stone, and she fell. In the final stretch, Tommy’s careful approach paid off. He was the first to cross the finish line, a moment of triumph that felt both relieving and exhilarating. As he caught his breath, he realized that the neck of the race wasn’t just the toughest part of the course—it was the moment where everything could change, where the winner and the losers were determined. Later that evening, Tommy joked, 'I guess I necked the race today, didn't I?' His friends laughed, and the word stuck. From then on, anyone who managed to outpace the competition in the critical moments was said to 'neck' the race, a term that had grown in the town’s vocabulary, embodying both speed and strategy.
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