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Region: General | Usage example: Managing that vendor has been a real pain in the neck.

Pain in the neck

Meaning

Something or someone irritating.

Usage

Used when complaining about nuisances.

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.

Literal neck pain as metaphor for discomfort.

Common vernacular since the early 20th century.

Related Idioms

Neck and neck

Two competitors are very close in performance.

Breathe down your neck

Watch someone closely, often annoyingly.

Neck of the woods

A local area or neighborhood.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.