The idiom “breathe down someone’s neck” is used to describe the feeling of being closely watched, monitored, or pressured by someone. It conveys a sense of discomfort, as if someone is standing so close to you that you can feel their breath on your neck.
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone feels micromanaged, overly scrutinized, or pressured to complete a task quickly.
For instance, if a manager is constantly checking on an employee’s progress, the employee might say the manager is “breathing down their neck.”
About the Author: Chris Drew has a PhD in Education. He has been a teacher in schools and universities and has taught English as a Second Language in Colombia. He is former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.“Breathing Down my Neck” Idiom Origins
The exact origins of this idiom are not well-documented, but it appears to have appeared around 1915 and gained currency in the 1940s:
Despite not being sure of the exact origins, the imagery this idiomevokes is clear. The sensation of someone standing so close that their breath can be felt is inherently uncomfortable and invasive.
Here’s a brief overview of its origin:
- Physical Proximity: The literal idea of someone breathing down your neck would mean they are standing extremely close, invading personal space. Such closeness can be uncomfortable and intimidating.
- Metaphorical Pressure: Over time, the phrase began to be used more metaphorically. It came to represent not just physical closeness but also the idea of being watched, monitored, or pressured by someone, often in a professional or task-oriented context.
Today, the phrase is commonly used in workplaces and other settings to describe the feeling of being micromanaged or under intense scrutiny.
Examples in a Sentence
- “I can’t concentrate with my boss constantly breathing down my neck.”
- “The deadline is tomorrow, and I feel like time is breathing down my neck.”
- “I wish he’d give me some space to work instead of always breathing down my neck.”
- “With the regulators breathing down our necks, we need to be extra careful.”
- “She completed the project with her teacher breathing down her neck the entire time.”
- “It’s hard to make a decision with the board breathing down my neck.”
- “I felt like the competition was right behind me, breathing down my neck.”
- “The client has been breathing down our necks for an update.”
- “I can’t stand micromanagers who are always breathing down your neck.”
- “With the exams approaching, I feel like the pressure is breathing down my neck.”
Practice Questions Worksheet for Students
- Question 1: If your teacher is breathing down your neck while you’re taking a test, how might you feel?
- a) Relaxed and calm
- b) Pressured and uncomfortable
- c) Happy and excited
- d) Indifferent
- Question 2: Which of the following situations best describes someone breathing down your neck?
- a) A friend giving you a surprise gift.
- b) A coach encouraging you from the sidelines.
- c) A manager constantly checking on your work progress.
- d) A stranger waving at you from a distance.
- Question 3: If someone says, “I can’t focus with you breathing down my neck,” what are they likely asking for?
- a) More attention
- b) More space or freedom
- c) Assistance with their task
- d) A compliment
- Question 4: In a race, if a competitor is breathing down your neck, what does it mean?
- a) They have given up.
- b) They are far behind you.
- c) They are very close to overtaking you.
- d) They are cheering for you.
Similar Idioms
1. Look over one’s shoulder
Definition: To be wary or cautious, often because you feel someone is watching or might pose a threat.
In a Sentence: “With all the corporate espionage lately, everyone is looking over their shoulder.”
2. On one’s tail
Definition: Someone is closely following or monitoring another.
In a Sentence: “The detective was on the suspect’s tail for days.”
3. Keep tabs on
Definition: To monitor or keep track of someone or something.
In a Sentence: “The manager likes to keep tabs on all the projects in the department.”
4. Hawk-eyed
Definition: Having very keen sight; watching closely.
In a Sentence: “The hawk-eyed editor caught every minor error in the manuscript.”
5. Under the microscope
Definition: Being closely examined or scrutinized.
In a Sentence: “The company’s financial dealings are now under the microscope.”
6. Watched like a hawk
Definition: Being observed very closely.
In a Sentence: “The new recruit was watched like a hawk during his first week.”
7. Keep a close eye on
Definition: To watch someone or something carefully.
In a Sentence: “We need to keep a close eye on the competitors’ activities.”
8. On the radar
Definition: Being aware of or noticing something.
In a Sentence: “The new intern is definitely on the radar after his impressive presentation.”
9. In the spotlight
Definition: Receiving a lot of public attention or scrutiny.
In a Sentence: “The celebrity’s actions have put him in the spotlight once again.”
10. Under surveillance
Definition: Being closely watched or monitored.
In a Sentence: “The premises are under surveillance due to recent thefts.”
11. Keep under wraps
Definition: To keep something secret.
In a Sentence: “The company kept the new product under wraps until the official launch.”
12. In the crosshairs
Definition: Being the target of criticism or scrutiny.
In a Sentence: “The politician found herself in the crosshairs after the controversial statement.”
13. On the watch
Definition: Being alert and watching carefully.
In a Sentence: “The guards are on the watch for any suspicious activity.”
14. Under one’s thumb
Definition: Under someone’s control or influence.
In a Sentence: “He has always been under his mother’s thumb.”
15. Keep on one’s toes
Definition: To remain alert and ready for any challenge.
In a Sentence: “The unpredictable market keeps investors on their toes.”