(my) neck of the woods
Meaning(s)
1. the place or area where someone lives or works
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
if you're ever up in my neck of the woods, call in for a visit
Analysis
A 'neck of the woods' refers to a particular place or area. This is an expression that is very casual and more often used in social and spoken English. You might ask what someone is doing 'in this neck of the woods?' - or what are they doing in this particular area or place. If you say somewhere is 'my neck of the woods' it means it is an area you are from or that you frequent regularly usually because you work or live there.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I didn't expect to see you here, Chris. What brings you to this neck of the woods?
- In my neck of the woods, it's so safe that people don't even lock their doors at night.
- I have ever been to this neck of the woods before. I should come here more often.
- This was my father's neck of the woods when he was young. He used to hang out with his friends here.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- If you're ever in my neck of the woods, feel free to call into the office. We can shoot the breeze and maybe bounce some ideas off each other.
- That district isn't really my neck of the woods, most of my clients live on the other side of town.
- If you are ever in that neck of the woods I advise you to go to Giancarlo's restaurant. Tell him you know me and he'll look after you well.