# brass neck

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/brass-neck
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Gall, shamelessness, cheek.

## Examples

- He has the brass neck to ask for a raise after missing work.
- You have a brass neck to take credit for my hard work.
- He has a brass neck to borrow money when he still owes me fifty dollars.
- She had the brass neck to show up at the party uninvited after their argument.
- The politician had the brass neck to lecture the public about saving money while spending thousands on his own luxury travel.
- After complaining about the loud music all night, the neighbor had the brass neck to host his own noisy party the next morning.
- The salesman had the brass neck to try and sell me a new car right after mine broke down because of his bad repairs.
- Despite his obvious failure to complete the project, he had the brass neck to demand full payment for his services.

## Origin

Derived from the earlier idiom to stick one’s neck out, the term identifies the anatomical vulnerability of the throat with a lack of social caution. The addition of the metal signifies a hardening of this vulnerability, suggesting a temperament that is impervious to shame or the possibility of metaphorical decapitation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.