Meaning
"A Pain in the Neck"은 영어 관용구로, 어떤 사람이나 상황이 매우 성가시거나 귀찮을 때 사용하는 표현입니다. 이 표현은 직역하면 '목의 통증'이지만, 비유적으로 사용되며, 직접적인 신체적 통증과는 관련이 없습니다.
예를 들어, 계속해서 방해를 하거나 일을 어렵게 만드는 사람을 가리켜 "He's such a pain in the neck"이라고 말할 수 있습니다. 이는 그 사람이 몹시 짜증나게 한다는 의미입니다.
"A Pain in the Neck"은 일상적인 대화에서 자주 사용되며, 특히 반복적으로 문제를 일으키거나 불편함을 주는 대상에 대해 이야기할 때 유용합니다. 이 표현은 공식적인 자리보다는 캐주얼한 대화에서 더 자주 쓰입니다.
이처럼 "A Pain in the Neck"은 단순한 불편함을 넘어, 지속적으로 스트레스를 유발하는 상황이나 사람을 지칭할 때 적절한 표현입니다. 이해하기 쉽고 활용하기 좋은 관용구이므로, 영어 학습자에게 유용할 것입니다.
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!
