stick your neck out
To take a risk
Wörtlich: To extend your neck outward from your body
Use this when someone takes a social or professional risk to support a person or idea.
In 15 Sekunden
- Taking a personal risk to help someone else.
- Standing up for an idea that might be unpopular.
- Putting your reputation on the line for a friend.
Bedeutung
This phrase means you are doing something brave or risky that might make you look bad if it fails. It is like putting yourself in a vulnerable position to help someone or support an idea.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting
I’m going to stick my neck out and say this project won't work.
I’m going to take a risk and say this project won't work.
Defending a friend
Thanks for sticking your neck out for me when the boss was angry.
Thanks for taking a risk for me when the boss was angry.
Texting a sibling
I stuck my neck out to get you that invite, so don't be late!
I took a risk to get you that invite, so don't be late!
Kultureller Hintergrund
The idiom evokes the imagery of a guillotine or a butcher's block, implying a life-or-death level of commitment. It gained widespread popularity in American English during the 1940s. It reflects the Western cultural value of 'standing up for what is right' even at personal cost.
The 'For' Connection
Almost always use 'for' after the phrase if you are helping a person. Example: 'I'll stick my neck out for you.'
Don't get physical
If you are literally leaning your head out of a window, don't use this! Use 'lean out' instead.
In 15 Sekunden
- Taking a personal risk to help someone else.
- Standing up for an idea that might be unpopular.
- Putting your reputation on the line for a friend.
What It Means
Imagine a turtle pulling its head out of its shell. It is brave but also very vulnerable. When you stick your neck out, you are taking a personal risk. You are supporting someone or something when others might stay quiet. If things go wrong, you are the one who gets in trouble. It is about being bold and visible.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. You can say you are sticking your neck out for a friend. It often follows the word for. You can also use it when sharing a risky opinion. Use it to show you are being courageous for a specific cause. It sounds very natural in conversations about work or social loyalty.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when you support a wild new idea. Use it when you defend a friend who is being gossiped about. It is perfect for moments of high stakes. If you are recommending a person for a job, you are sticking your neck out. You are betting your reputation on their success. It feels warm and loyal when used this way.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical risks like skydiving. It is for social, professional, or emotional risks. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for a court of law. Also, do not use it if the risk is tiny. If you are just buying a new flavor of gum, you are not sticking your neck out. Keep it for when your reputation is actually on the line.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from the image of an animal at a chopping block. It suggests a high level of sacrifice. In Western culture, being a 'risk-taker' is often seen as a heroic trait. People value those who stand up for others. It became very popular in the mid-20th century in American English. It reflects a culture that prizes individual courage and speaking your mind.
Common Variations
You might hear people say put your neck on the line. This is a slightly more intense version. It implies the risk is even more dangerous. Another variation is go out on a limb. This means you are taking a risk, but it is more about an opinion. Stick your neck out remains the most common way to describe social bravery.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is perfect for spoken English and casual emails, but avoid it in academic essays or strictly formal business contracts.
The 'For' Connection
Almost always use 'for' after the phrase if you are helping a person. Example: 'I'll stick my neck out for you.'
Don't get physical
If you are literally leaning your head out of a window, don't use this! Use 'lean out' instead.
The Turtle Image
Native speakers often visualize a turtle leaving its shell when they hear this, symbolizing bravery mixed with danger.
Beispiele
6I’m going to stick my neck out and say this project won't work.
I’m going to take a risk and say this project won't work.
The speaker is risking their professional standing by being honest.
Thanks for sticking your neck out for me when the boss was angry.
Thanks for taking a risk for me when the boss was angry.
Shows gratitude for social support during a conflict.
I stuck my neck out to get you that invite, so don't be late!
I took a risk to get you that invite, so don't be late!
Casual use showing the speaker used their influence.
I'm not sticking my neck out for your crazy 'free pizza' scheme!
I'm not taking a risk for your crazy 'free pizza' scheme!
Lighthearted refusal to participate in a silly plan.
I really stuck my neck out for our relationship, and I feel let down.
I really took a risk for our relationship, and I feel let down.
Expresses vulnerability and disappointment.
The manager stuck his neck out to get Sarah a promotion.
The manager took a risk to get Sarah a promotion.
The manager used his own reputation to help an employee.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
I don't want to stick my neck ___ for someone I barely know.
The full idiom is always 'stick your neck out'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
John is ___ by telling the CEO that the new policy is a mistake.
Telling a superior they are wrong is a classic example of taking a professional risk.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Stick Your Neck Out'
Used with friends and family frequently.
I'm sticking my neck out for you, bro!
Common in office talk and meetings.
Are you willing to stick your neck out for this?
Too idiomatic for official legal writing.
The witness took a risk. (Better than idiom)
Where to Stick Your Neck Out
Job Reference
Vouching for a friend's skills.
Social Justice
Speaking up against a bully.
Innovation
Suggesting a radical new idea.
Family
Covering for a sibling's mistake.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It is actually quite positive because it implies bravery and loyalty. However, it is informal, so use it in conversation rather than formal reports.
Usually, no. We use it for social or professional risks. For physical danger, we say risk your life or put yourself in harm's way.
The past tense is stuck my neck out. For example: 'I stuck my neck out for him last year.'
No, that changes the meaning to a literal action. Stick to neck to keep the idiomatic meaning of taking a risk.
Yes, it is very common in office culture. It describes the risk of suggesting an idea that might fail or supporting a controversial colleague.
Anyone can use it! It is a very common B2-level idiom used by native speakers of all ages in the US, UK, and Australia.
They are very similar. Go out on a limb is usually about an opinion, while stick your neck out is often about protecting or helping someone else.
Yes, you can say 'I'm not sticking my neck out for that guy.' This means you don't trust him enough to take a risk.
The phrase is used in the UK too, but you might also hear put your head on the block, which is even more dramatic.
Very common. You will hear it in movies, TV shows, and daily office conversations.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Go out on a limb
To take a risk by supporting an opinion or person.
Put your neck on the line
A more intense version of sticking your neck out.
Play it safe
The opposite: to avoid taking any risks.
Take the plunge
To commit to a risky course of action.
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