by a neck

by a neck

By an extremely short or slim margin (of distance, time, or another measure). The race was close till the very end, but Sally won it by a neck. They're just about to close the gates! It looks like we made the flight by a neck.
See also: by, neck
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

by a ˈneck

if a person or an animal wins a race by a neck, they win it by a short distance: The final was very close, with Molina finally winning by a neck.
See also: by, neck
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • too close for comfort
  • come to a close
  • too close to call
  • close by
  • close to (one's) heart
  • close to your heart
  • be close to the mark
  • be close to/near the mark
  • close as two coats of paint
  • (as) close as two coats of paint