neck or nothing

N

neck or nothing (idiom)
/nɛk ɔr ˈnʌθɪŋ/

Variant

  • neck or nought

Meaning

  • In a totally reckless and carefree manner.
  • Engaging in an action without regard for potential risks or consequences.
  • Pursuing a goal by risking everything, regardless of the dangers involved.
  • An attempt at success that risks losing or ruining everything.
  • Making a bold effort where failure could result in total loss.

Example Sentences

  1. Facing bankruptcy, he invested his remaining funds, going neck or nothing to save his business.
  2. The explorers embarked on their journey neck or nothing, aware of the perilous path ahead.
  3. She bet all her savings on the startup, adopting a neck or nothing approach to entrepreneurship.
  4. In a neck or nothing move, the general ordered a full-scale assault to turn the tide of battle.
  5. The actor accepted the controversial role neck or nothing, hoping it would revive his career.

Origin and History

The phrase “neck or nothing” is believed to have originated from steeplechase racing, a form of cross-country horse racing that emerged in 18th-century Ireland. In this context, the term encapsulated the high-risk nature of the sport, where riders often faced dangerous obstacles. The expression implied that a jockey would either succeed by a narrow margin—winning by a “neck”—or face complete failure, hence “nothing.” This interpretation aligns with the definition provided by Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, which describes it as a racing phrase indicating a desperate attempt to win by a neck or be nowhere.

Earliest Recorded Usage

The phrase “neck or nothing” appears in David Garrick’s 1766 farce titled s. In this work, a character exclaims, “He was damn’d mad, that he cou’d not be at the wedding,” illustrating the term’s early use to convey recklessness.

Evolution into an Idiomatic Expression

Over time, “neck or nothing” transcended its equestrian origins to become an idiomatic expression denoting any endeavor undertaken with total commitment, regardless of potential risks. This evolution mirrors the phrase’s application in various contexts, such as business ventures or personal challenges, where individuals proceed with complete abandon and recklessness.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

While the steeplechase origin is widely accepted, some speculate that the phrase could have nautical roots, drawing parallels with expressions like “an albatross around your neck,” which originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” However, there is no substantial evidence to support a direct nautical connection for “neck or nothing.”

Synonyms

  • all or nothing
  • sink or swim
  • do or die
  • go for broke
  • risk it all

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