against the collar: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘against the collar’ mean?
The idiom "against the collar" refers to someone feeling agitated or stressed, usually due to a difficult or challenging situation. It can also indicate someone working hard or diligently, often under pressure or with a sense of urgency.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up against" means to be facing or confronting something difficult or challenging.
The idiom "kick against the pricks" is an interesting and somewhat enigmatic expression with ancient Greek origins. It is derived from a line in the play "The Bacchae" by Euripides in the 5th century BC. Later translated into Latin as "calcitrare in aspidem," the idiom gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages.
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "in a bind" means to be in a difficult or challenging situation where there are not many options or solutions available.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hard done by" refers to feeling unfairly treated or disadvantaged in a situation. It implies a sense of experiencing hardship or being poorly treated in comparison to others.
The idiom "hard done by" is a commonly used expression in English to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship or adversity. It originated in the UK or possibly Australia in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom, however, remains uncertain.
The idiom "go against the grain" means to act or think in a way that is contrary to what is expected or to the usual pattern. It suggests going against the established norms, conventions, or opinions.
The idiom "get on someone's nerves" means to irritate or annoy someone, causing them to feel frustrated or agitated.
The Fiery Origins
The idiom "against the collar" is an idiomatic expression that describes someone who is agitated, anxious, or upset about something. This phrase originated from the world of dog breeding, where the term "collar" referred to the piece of fabric or leather placed around a dog's neck. When a dog is agitated or upset, it tends to pull against the collar, creating tension and discomfort. Over time, this behavior gave rise to the metaphorical use of the phrase to describe human emotions and behavior.
When we say someone is "against the collar," we are usually implying that the individual is struggling to remain composed or calm in a difficult situation. It's as if they are feeling restrained or confined by their circumstances and reacting with frustration or unease. This phrase is often used in a negative context to convey a state of emotional turmoil or stress.
Now, let's take a look at some other idioms that are related to "against the collar" and explore how they are connected:
One related idiom is "hot under the collar." This phrase carries a similar meaning to "against the collar," but with added intensity. When someone is "hot under the collar," they are extremely agitated or angry. The use of the word "hot" emphasizes the heat and intensity of the emotional reaction, as if the person's collar is literally burning with anger.
Another related idiom is "up against." This phrase signifies being in a difficult or challenging situation. When someone is "up against" something, it means they are facing obstacles or opposition. This idiom captures the idea of struggling against external forces, just like a dog pulling against its collar.
There's also the idiom "against the clock." This phrase describes a situation in which time is running out, and there is a sense of urgency to complete a task or achieve a goal. Similar to the idea of a dog pulling against its collar, someone working "against the clock" is under pressure and racing against time.
Lastly, we have the idiom "against the world." This phrase expresses a feeling of being isolated or at odds with the rest of the world. It conveys a sense of alienation and the idea that someone is struggling against everyone else's opinions or actions. In a way, it is like a dog pulling against its collar while surrounded by the world.
Overall, these idioms that are related to "against the collar" share a common theme of struggle, tension, and opposition. They all describe individuals who are facing challenges, whether it be emotional turmoil, anger, time pressure, or a sense of isolation. While each idiom has its own unique nuances and usage, they all tap into the metaphorical power of the original expression "against the collar."
It is worth noting that the idiom "against the collar" is more commonly used in American English than in British English. The exact reasons for this difference are not clear, but it may be attributed to regional language usage and cultural influences. Nevertheless, the idiom is widely understood and retains a place in the lexicon of idiomatic expressions.
Although the origins and specific usage patterns of "against the collar" are not extensively documented, it remains a valuable expression in colloquial language and informal contexts. Its descriptive power and resonance with human emotions contribute to its enduring popularity.
Understanding idiomatic expressions like "against the collar" requires familiarizing oneself with their meanings and usage. These expressions remind us that language can be a complex interplay of words and phrases that evolve over time and draw upon a variety of sources. By deciphering the figurative meanings behind idioms, we gain a deeper understanding of the richness and versatility of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *against the collar* can be used in a sentence:
- He was working so hard that his shirt was soaked *against the collar*.
- The pressure was really getting to him, and he felt like he was always swimming *against the collar*.
- She was feeling stressed and overwhelmed, like she was constantly fighting *against the collar*.
More "Emotion" idioms
