Meaning
"A Pain in the Neck"は、英語で「非常に迷惑な人や物」という意味を持つ表現です。直訳すると「首の痛み」となりますが、実際には比喩的に使われます。例えば、誰かが何度も同じミスを繰り返したり、しつこく質問をしてくる場合、その人を指して「He's a real pain in the neck.」と言うことができます。
この表現は、日常会話でよく使われ、特に誰かや何かがあなたの時間やエネルギーを消耗させるときに適しています。たとえば、壊れやすくて頻繁に修理が必要な機械についても「This machine is a pain in the neck.」と表現することができ、それがどれほど面倒かを強調します。
「A Pain in the Neck」は、友好的な場面でも使われることがあり、あまり深刻ではない場合もありますが、使い方には注意が必要です。受け取る側が不快に感じる可能性があるため、使用する場面や相手を選ぶことが大切です。
Example
My dog chews everything in sight! Gosh he's such a pain in the neck.
I love my kids but they are such a pain in the neck.
Similar phrases and uses
"A pain in the butt" or "a pain in the ass" is a rude way of saying someone or something is annoying. It's common to use the phrase "a pain". For example, he's a pain, she's a pain, my mom's a pain.
I'm sorry to be a pain but would you be able to help me move these boxes?
Your brother is such a pain in the ass, he ruined my birthday cake!
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
