break one’s neck, to
To hurry as fast as one can; to proceed with reckless speed. The same idea is conveyed by the “breakneck pace,” with “breakneck” dating back to the sixteenth century. At that time, however, “to break someone’s neck” also meant to overpower or overwhelm them. This was Sir Geoffrey Fenton’s meaning when he wrote, “To breake the necke of the wicked purposes and plots of the French” (The History of Guicciardini, 1579).
Related Terms & Expressions
- Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
- Move at a snail’s pace (antonym): Proceeding slowly.
- Run like the wind: To run very quickly.
- Full throttle: At maximum speed.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Why did the broom break its neck? It swept up a storm in record speed!”
- “I told my friend to break a leg, but he took it a step further and tried to break his neck! Let’s just say he’s really committed to doing things quickly.”
Suggested Literature & References
- Books: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, where characters often proceed with unexpected haste during their journey.
- Movies: Speed (1994), where moving fast is literally a matter of life and death.
- Songs: I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers – a musical representation of breaking one’s neck for love.
Engaging Titles
- 🐌 Move Over, Snails: Rapidly Chasing Your Dreams
- 🚀 Breakneck Speed: Full Throttling Through Life
- 💥 Snap Decisions: When Pace Meets Recklessness
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember: while breaking one’s neck can signify admirable haste, don’t forget to savor the moments along the journey. Sometimes slowing down offers the richest experiences.
Here’s to finding the perfect balance between speed and mindfulness. ✨🚀
### Which of these means to proceed with great speed?
- [x] Break one’s neck
- [ ] Walk a turtle's path
- [ ] Paint like a sea cucumber
- [ ] Sing through molasses
> **Explanation:** "Break one’s neck" means to hurry as fast as one can, while the others simply describe slow or bizarre actions.
### Which expression contrasts with "breakneck pace"?
- [ ] Burn the candle at both ends
- [ ] Fly by the seat of your pants
- [ ] Run like the wind
- [x] Move at a snail’s pace
> **Explanation:** "Move at a snail’s pace" signifies moving very slowly, the clear opposite of a "breakneck pace."
### True or False: 'Break one’s neck' initially meant to overpower or overwhelm someone.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! In the sixteenth century, "to break someone’s neck" meant to overpower or overwhelm, as noted in historical texts.
