brass neck: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘brass neck’ mean?
The idiom "brass neck" refers to someone who has a lot of audacity or nerve, often with a disregard for the feelings or opinions of others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick one's neck out" means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action that goes against the norm or common consensus.
The idiom "lead with one's chin" means to put oneself at risk or in a vulnerable position by being outspoken or provocative.
The idiom "high and mighty" means that someone is arrogant, haughty, or acting superior to others. It refers to someone who thinks they are better or more important than everyone else.
The idiom "have someone's guts for garters" means to be extremely angry with someone and to be prepared to punish or harm them severely.
The idiom "hammer-headed" refers to someone who is stubborn or obstinate, often refusing to listen to reason or change their mind.
The idiomatic expression "go to someone's head" means that success or praise can make a person arrogant or overconfident, leading them to have an inflated sense of importance or superiority.
The idiom "glass chin" is used to describe someone who is easily hurt, either physically or emotionally, and cannot handle criticism or difficult situations well.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "fall on someone's neck" means to enthusiastically welcome or embrace someone.
The idiom "elbow mentality" refers to a competitive or aggressive attitude where individuals are determined to succeed at all costs, often using forceful or ruthless methods to get ahead.
Unwavering Boldness
The idiom "brass neck" originated in the United Kingdom, and it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. It is derived from the notion of someone having a neck made of brass, which is associated with audacity, nerve, and impudence. Essentially, when someone has a "brass neck," they display an intolerable level of cheekiness, boldness, or arrogance.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is the association of brass with the color of gold. Gold is often associated with wealth and success, carrying connotations of power and influence. Therefore, having a "brass neck" may suggest that a person is unapologetic about their actions, believing that their own status or abilities give them the right to act audaciously.
In addition, the concept of a "brass neck" may also be inspired by the physical properties of brass itself. Brass is a durable and resilient material that can withstand harsh conditions without tarnishing or corroding. Metaphorically, this toughness and durability may be applied to someone who is perceived as having a thick skin, impervious to criticism or reprimand.
The idiom "brass neck" can be used in various contexts. For example, it can describe someone who shamelessly takes credit for other people's work. It can also be used to depict individuals who confidently ask for favors or special treatment without any sense of embarrassment. Additionally, it is fitting to describe someone who boldly lies or deceives others, without fear of being caught or reproached. In short, the term characterizes those who exhibit audacious behavior.
However, while "brass neck" is widely used in the United Kingdom, it is not as commonly used in the United States. This can be attributed to cultural differences and variations in idiomatic expressions. In the United States, similar expressions such as "brass balls" or "brass hat" are more commonly used to convey audacity or boldness.
Nonetheless, the idiom "brass neck" is a fascinating phrase that captures the essence of audacity and impudence. Its origins in the United Kingdom and its usage to describe individuals with an extraordinary level of cheekiness or arrogance make it an intriguing linguistic expression. Although it may not be as widely recognized in the United States, it provides insight into the complexity and diversity of idiomatic language.
"brass-necked" is a related idiom that emphasizes the audacious qualities of someone described with a "brass neck." When someone is said to be "brass-necked," it means they display an unapologetic level of cheekiness, boldness, or arrogance. They are not easily deterred and continue their audacious behavior without hesitation. This idiom builds upon the concept of a "brass neck" and further emphasizes the person's lack of concern or shame for their actions.
"bow-legged wi' brass" is another related idiom that combines physical attributes with audacity. When someone is described as "bow-legged wi' brass," it suggests that they possess such audacity and boldness that it affects their physical stance. This vivid and figurative language paints a picture of someone with such confidence and impudence that it appears to physically manifest in their legs. This idiom adds an extra layer of emphasis to the audacious character of the individual being described.
"brassed off" is a related idiom that conveys a sense of frustration and annoyance. When someone is "brassed off," they are exasperated or fed up with a situation. This idiom is used to express feelings of irritation, dissatisfaction, or boredom. While it may not have the same audacious connotations as "brass neck," "brassed off" reflects a general weariness or frustration.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "brass neck" can be used in a sentence:
1. Despite being caught red-handed, he had the brass neck to deny stealing the money.
2. She had a real brass neck to ask for a promotion after coming in late every day.
3. The politician had the brass neck to claim he was innocent, even with all the evidence stacked against him.
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