For example, at neck and neck , the main explanation In a race or contest, if two competitors are neck and neck , they are exactly level with each other, so that it is impossible to say who will win. Changes in syntax sometimes involve changes in spelling or form. Contents of this Guide to Entries Collocations Explanations give information about collocations as well as about syntax. For example, the explanation for the idiom pick holes in something If you pick holes in something such as an argument or theory, you find weak points in it which disprove it or show that it is wrong. If you say that a remark or piece of writing is close to the bone or near to the bone , you mean that it makes people uncomfortable, because it deals with things which they prefer not to be discussed.
Examples also give information about collocations.
The dictionary explanations for idioms show where they have some special pragmatic function. If someone makes a comment and you say that they have hit the nail on the head , you mean that they have described a situation or problem exactly. More precisely in this case, the idiom is used to convey an opinion about the accuracy of another person's comment. The wording of the explanation If you say that something is as plain as the nose on your face , you are emphasizing that it is very obvious or easy to understand. Similarly, the explanation If you accuse someone of feathering their nest , you are accusing them of taking advantage of their position in order to get a lot of money, so that they can lead a comfortable life.