ENGLISH
REFERENCE

neck of the woods

idiom
Meaning

A local neighbourhood or region.


Origin

disputed origin

See neck (“narrow tract of land”) or from Algonquian naiack ("point" or "corner").

Examples
SIMPLE

It is nice to see you in this neck of the woods.

CONTEXTUAL

I did not know you lived nearby, so I was surprised to see you in my neck of the woods.

COMPLEX

After years of traveling abroad, he finally returned to his old neck of the woods to settle down and reconnect with his family.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

  2. 02

    albatross round one's neck

    Alternative form of albatross around one's neck.

  3. 03

    babe in the woods

    A person who is innocent, naive, inexperienced, or helpless, especially with respect to an unfamiliar situation or environment.

  4. 04

    brass neck

    Gall, shamelessness, cheek.

  5. 05

    break one's neck

    To make extraordinary efforts to achieve an end; to exert oneself in pursuit of a goal.

  6. 06

    breathe down someone's neck

    To follow or supervise someone too closely, causing discomfort for that person.

  7. 07

    checkup from the neck up

    The analysis of one's own thoughts or beliefs with a view to reforming oneself.

  8. 08

    do me good/s

    [Cockney slang]wood/s

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