up to his neck
Definition
Adjective Phrase: * Deeply involved or overwhelmed: To be "up to his neck" means to be extremely involved in a situation, typically one that is difficult, demanding, or problematic, to the point of being overwhelmed by it. It implies being fully immersed or burdened.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe a state of being completely engrossed or swamped by responsibilities, problems, or activities. It is often used in informal contexts. * It is commonly used with the preposition "in" (e.g., up to his neck in work, in trouble, in debt). * The possessive pronoun ("his," "her," "my," "their," etc.) changes to match the subject.
Examples
- With 'in' + noun:
- He's up to his neck in paperwork and won't be able to join us.
- After the failed investment, they found themselves up to their necks in debt.
- Don't ask her to organize another event; she's already up to her neck in commitments.
Advanced Usage
- "Up to one's neck" can be used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological states of being overwhelmed.
- After the scandal, the politician was up to his neck in controversy and public criticism.
Variants and Related Words
- Neck-deep (adj.): Functionally synonymous with "up to one's neck." Often used interchangeably.
- She's neck-deep in her research project.
- Up to one's ears/eyeballs (adj. phrase): Very similar idioms meaning deeply involved or overwhelmed.
- I'm up to my ears in emails today.
Synonyms
- Swamped: Overwhelmed with a large amount of something.
- Snowed under: Buried under a large amount of work.
- Over one's head: Involved in something too difficult to handle.
Related Idioms
- In over one's head: To be involved in a situation that is too difficult to manage. This emphasizes inability more than sheer volume.
- He took on the manager role but is clearly in over his head.
Adjective
-
deeply involved
-
neck-deep in work
-
up to their necks in debt
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
