Neck and neck

Meaning

Two competitors are very close in performance.

Usage

Used in races, elections, or rivalries.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Horse racing imagery where horses race side by side.

Used since the 17th century in race reporting and beyond.