Synonyms

neck and neck

Idioms

So close that the advantage or lead shifts from one to the other or is virtually indistinguishable, as in The two are neck and neck in developing a new operating system for the computer. The term comes from horse racing, where the necks of two horses in competition appear to be side by side. [Early 1800s] For a synonym, see nip and tuck.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a neck and neck race with Korea, in which the Italians briefly took the lead but were overtaken on the penultimate lap, the hosts took silver and Fontana got her medal.

From BBC

Going into the final round, the Japanese and the Americans had been neck and neck, but Japan were ahead having won more routines.

From Barron's

Penelope raced along the platform, neck and neck with the train, until it pulled ahead and she could not keep up anymore.

From Literature

It may be early in the season but - with a host of teams neck and neck at the top of the table - dropping points now could still prove crucial.

From BBC

The two rivals have been neck and neck for several years, including a #1 tie in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023