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3. by the nape of the neck

by the nape of the neck

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by the nape of the neck

by the back of the neck. (Mostly said in threats.) He grabbed me by the nape of the neck and told me not to turn around if I valued my life. I stood very still. If you do that again, I'll pick you up by the nape of the neck and throw you out the door.

See also: neck, of