ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pain in the neck

idiom
Meaning

Someone or something which is annoying, irritating or inconvenient.


Origin

First attested in the 1920s.

Examples
SIMPLE

That loud neighbor is a real pain in the neck.

CONTEXTUAL

Filling out all these tax forms every year is a total pain in the neck.

COMPLEX

While he appreciated the opportunity to lead the project, the constant administrative paperwork proved to be an absolute pain in the neck.

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

    brass neck

    Gall, shamelessness, cheek.

  4. 04

    break one's neck

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

  5. 05

    breathe down someone's neck

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

  6. 06

    checkup from the neck up

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

  7. 07

    fall on someone's neck

    To embrace someone affectionately or thankfully.

  8. 08

    Gregory

    [Cockney slang]neck, or cheque

© 2026 English Reference