Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Inconclusive as to outcome; very close or even in a race, comparison, or competition. Describes a situation where two or more competitors are so close that it is impossible to predict a winner.

2. Adverb:

   • Evenly or very closely in a race, competition, or comparison. Describes the manner in which competitors are performing, being level with each other.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The two leading candidates are in a neck and neck race for the presidency.
  • It was a neck and neck contest until the final seconds of the game.

• Adverb:

  • The cyclists are riding neck and neck as they approach the final lap.
  • The two companies have been competing neck and neck for market share all year.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in contexts involving direct competition, such as sports, elections, or business.
• It emphasizes the tightness and uncertainty of the contest, not just proximity.

Variants and Related Words

• Nip and tuck (adjective/adverb): A near-synonymous idiom with the same meaning of being extremely close or even in a competition.
  • The game was nip and tuck until the final whistle.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Close, even, tied, level, deadlocked, too close to call.
• Adverb: Evenly, abreast, level, side by side.

Related Idioms

• Too close to call: Used especially for elections or contests where the result is uncertain due to the closeness of the competitors.
  • The polls show the election is too close to call.
• Photo finish: A race result so close that a photograph is needed to determine the winner. This is a specific outcome of a neck and neck situation.
  • The race ended in a photo finish.

Adjective

1. inconclusive as to outcome; close or just even in a race or comparison or competition
   • as they approached the finish line they were neck and neck
   • the election was a nip and tuck affair

Adverb

1. even or close in a race or competition or comparison
   • the horses ran neck and neck
   • he won nip and tuck