Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to-be-breathing-down-someones-neck

idiom

/tə biː ˈbrɛðɪŋ daʊn ˈsʌmˌwʌnz nɛk/

Definition

To be closely monitoring or watchfully following someone’s actions, often causing them to feel pressured or uncomfortable.

Examples

During the meeting, I felt like my boss was breathing down my neck, watching every move I made.
She didn’t like having her parents breathing down her neck while she tried to study.
With the deadline approaching, I felt time breathing down my neck.

Meaning

This phrase often implies that someone is being overly scrutinized or that they have someone constantly hovering nearby, making them feel anxious or hurried.