Idiom
neck of the woods
Meanings
A particular area, neighborhood, or region (often where someone lives or is staying).
Definition
A “neck of the woods” is a particular area or neighborhood, especially where someone lives or is visiting.
“Neck of the woods” means a specific part of a town, region, or countryside. It is used when talking about where something is located or where someone comes from. It often suggests a local area that people might not know well.
Examples
- I don’t get to this neck of the woods very often.
- If you’re ever in my neck of the woods, let’s meet for a coffee.
- They opened a new bakery in this neck of the woods.
- What brings you to this neck of the woods?
- She’s from a different neck of the woods altogether.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes treat it literally and say “neck of the forest,” but the fixed idiom is “neck of the woods.”
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (noun phrase)s
- green thumb A green thumb is a natural ability to grow and care for plants successfully.
- mug's game A mug's game is an activity that is pointless, foolish, or not worth the effort, often because the …
- storm in a teacup A “storm in a teacup” is a situation where people get very upset about something that is actually n…
- wild goose chase A wild goose chase is a futile search that wastes time because the goal is impossible or unlikely t…
- ace up your sleeve An ace up your sleeve is a secret advantage or hidden plan you can use when you need it.