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neck or nothing en · ADJ

Etymology

Originally a steeplechase phrase; to win by a neck or to be nowhere—i.e. not counted at all because unworthy of notice.

Meanings

1. (dated, not-comparable) do or die.
   • It is a neck-or-nothing venture to wrest valuable merchandise traffic from road transport. 1960 January, G. Freeman Allen, “"Condor"—British Railways' fastest freight train”, in Trains Illustrated, page 45:

Forms

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
nick or nothing		alternative	lexicographic

neck or nothing en · ADV

Etymology

Originally a steeplechase phrase; to win by a neck or to be nowhere—i.e. not counted at all because unworthy of notice.

Meanings

1. (dated, not-comparable) at all costs.

Forms

Spelling	Features	Labels	Source
nick or nothing		alternative	lexicographic