1 general:: Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs