Stick Your Neck Out
It’s risky to stick your neck out. Joining the crowd — looking and acting like everyone else — is safer and easier.
If you stick your neck out, you risk getting in trouble.
You attract attention. Even if other people agree with you, they fear joining you. They don’t want to face:
- Danger
- Criticism
- Anger
- Job loss
- Rejection
This expression’s origin remains unknown.
Possibilities include:
- Horse racing
- Turtles sticking their heads out of their shells
- Barnyard animals with their necks on a chopping block
- People on a guillotine
- Boxers protecting their necks and heads by holding them in
In all these examples, extending the neck makes it vulnerable.
You can stick your neck out personally or professionally.
You take chances when you:
- Speak unpopular truths.
- Report wrongdoing.
- Rock the boat.
If you stick your neck out, don’t take unnecessary risks.
God commands people to stand tall and stand firm for what is right. Yet, boldness is not always wise or necessary.
- Weigh the evidence.
- Pray for guidance.
- Choose carefully.
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).
Thanks to Terri Wilson for the suggestion. Image by Danièle Konsbruck from Pixabay.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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10 thoughts on “Stick Your Neck Out”
I hadn’t thought about this phrase in a long time, Diana, and I do like your explanation here. We do need to make sure when we stick out our necks for something, that it’s what God wants us to do. Blessings!
I hadn’t used it recently either, Martha. Thank you for your kind words. God calls us to boldness, but we want to be sure it’s according to God’s plan. Have a wonderful week!
Discernment is key when “sticking your neck out”.
Absolutely, Beckham. You hit the nail on the head! Blessings.
There are times when we do need to stick out neck out. Other times, we need to be still and listen. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Being still and listening often challenges us more than sticking our neck out, doesn’t it, Melissa? Thank you for an excellent point.
I’m not usually one to stick my neck out, but as you say, there are times we should, especially when it’s for God’s truth.
I tend to hold back too, Tracy. However, at times, God calls us to act. I pray we always use discernment in our words and actions.
I’ve experienced “sticking my neck out” on occasion, offering a different opinion in a controversial discussion or speaking “truth” (from my perspective) when I feel someone is being mistreated or verbally attacked. Often it’s been during a church meeting when we would think calm and non-aggressive discussions woud be the norm. Enjoyed your message, Diana.
It’s not always easy or pleasant, is it, Katherine? Yet, at times, we must make difficult decisions. Blessings.