The phrase "up to her neck" is spelled in English as /ʌp tu hɜːr nɛk/. The first sound, /ʌ/, represents the "uh" sound, followed by the "p" sound, represented by /p/. The "t" sound is spelled with /t/, and the "u" sound in "to" is spelled with /u/. The following sounds, /hɜːr/, represent the "h" sound followed by the vowel sounds in "her". Finally, the word "neck" is spelled with /nɛk/, representing the sounds "n", "eh", and "k".
The phrase "up to her neck" is an idiomatic expression that describes a situation where someone is deeply involved or overwhelmed by a particular activity, issue, or problem, to the point of being fully immersed in it. It conveys a state of being deeply committed, engaged, or burdened, often indicating an intense level of involvement or responsibility.
When someone is "up to her neck" in a task or project, it suggests that they are fully occupied, dedicating all their time, energy, and attention to completing it. This expression can also describe a person who is excessively involved in a particular situation or dilemma, to the extent that they are overwhelmed by its demands, difficulties, or consequences.
The imagery associated with being "up to her neck" often highlights a sense of being completely surrounded, similar to someone trapped in quicksand or immersed in deep water, unable to easily extricate themselves from the situation. The phrase can be used in a literal sense to describe physical situations, such as being overwhelmed by work or responsibilities, or in a metaphorical sense, indicating emotional or psychological entanglement.
Overall, the term "up to her neck" is employed to convey a high level of involvement, engagement, or entrapment, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the situation or problem at hand.