neck and neck

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

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

Recent polling suggests the three parties are pretty much neck and neck.

From BBC

According to figures from Ecuador's national electoral council, this is a decisive win for Noboa - with about 56% of the vote - after polls before the election suggested it was neck and neck.

From BBC