Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to stick one's neck out

to stick one's neck out

22 7.2
To take a risk by saying or doing something that may get you in trouble
  • idiom
translation icon : arriesgarse
  • As the manager, I had to stick my neck out to support my team during the budget cuts.
  • willing to stick your neck out
  • really stick your neck out
  • want to stick your neck out

Examples

  • But I've decided to stick my neck out anyway.

    Academic text (2010)

  • You stick your neck out for Battalion, I'll stick mine out for you.

    Dog (2022)

  • Now, I want one of you guys to stick your neck out and carry the other box.

    China Gate (1957)

  • But why should I stick my neck out?

    Fiction book (1997)

  • I actually appreciate your willingness to stick your neck out, and hope you do well going forward.

    Blog text (5)

  • Look, as your social worker, I'm happy to stick my neck out for you.

    Camp Hideout (2023)

  • I stuck my neck out for you, Boyle.

    Salvador (1986)

  • You decide to be brave and stick your neck out, and they don't let you back down from it.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • I totally agree with you, Trent, and appreciate you sticking your neck out to say so.

    Blog text (15)

  • But I'm sticking my neck out and I'm trusting you.

    Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

Synonyms

to go out on a limb
vsto stick one's neck out
  • Informal
37 6.1

To risk doing or saying something to support an idea

is about risking reputation by speaking up rather than general danger
to put one's ass on the line
vsto stick one's neck out
  • Offensive
1 9.9

To take a big risk to help another person or group

means risking public criticism by speaking up but with more personal sacrifice
to put on the line
vsto stick one's neck out
1 6.4

Risk something important, like money, life, or reputation

focuses on risking opinion or reputation by speaking out rather than material loss

Antonyms

to play it safe
42 3.4

Choose a careful option to avoid risks

to keep safe
9 1.8

To protect people or things from danger

How Risky

to stick one's neck out
22 7.2

Surface Forms

stick one's neck out infinitive
sticking one's neck out present participle
sticks one's neck out third person singular
stuck one's neck out past
stuck one's neck out past participle

Morphology

stick + one's + neck + out

The components 'stick' + 'out' create the image of projecting something outward and 'neck' is a vulnerable body part, so the phrase evokes exposing oneself to danger; this metaphorical image maps reasonably directly onto the idea of taking a risk. However, the meaning arises from a figurative extension rather than strict compositional logic, so learners may need some exposure to latch the bodily-image metaphor onto the abstract notion of risk.

Etymology

Stick one's neck out may come from the image of someone literally sticking their neck out of a safe place, making them easy to attack or blame. That's why it means 'to take a risk' or 'to put yourself where people can criticize you'.