Break your neck Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈnɛk
BRAYK-yor-NEK, BRAYK-yur-NEK
bɹˈeɪk/ /jˈɔː/ /nˈɛk
brayk-YAW-nek
Definition
To literally injure or break your neck, or, more commonly, to try extremely hard to achieve something or do a task.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and idiomatic. Often used figuratively to mean making a huge effort ('break your neck to finish on time'). Literal meaning is rare. Not about anger; it's about hard work or risk.
Spanish: romperse el cuello - esforzarse al máximoPortuguese (BR): quebrar o pescoço - esforçar-se ao máximoPortuguese (PT): partir o pescoço - esforçar-se ao máximoChinese (Simplified): 拼命工作 - 摔断脖子Chinese (Traditional): 拼命工作 - 摔斷脖子Hindi: गर्दन तोड़ना - बहुत मेहनत करनाArabic: تحطم عنقك - تبذل جهدًا كبيرًاBengali: গলা ভাঙা - প্রাণপণে চেষ্টা করাRussian: сломать шею - надрыватьсяJapanese: 首を折る - 必死になるVietnamese: gãy cổ - cố hết sứcKorean: 목이 부러지다 - 죽기 살기로 노력하다Turkish: boynunu kırmak - kendini paralamakUrdu: گردن توڑنا - جان لگاناIndonesian: mematahkan leher - bekerja mati-matian
Example Sentences
You shouldn’t have to break your neck just to get a little recognition.
natural
She almost broke her neck rushing to catch the bus this morning.
natural
Be careful or you'll break your neck climbing that tree.
basic
He worked late every night and really broke his neck to get the project done.
basic
Don’t break your neck trying to help everyone.
basic
I won't break my neck doing extra work if no one appreciates it.
natural