The phrase "wast neck and neck" is commonly used to describe a close or tied race or competition. The spelling of "wast" is an archaic version of "was," which was commonly used in Middle English. The phrase is spelled phonetically as /wɑst nɛk ənd nɛk/, with the stress on the first syllable of "neck" and the second syllable of "and." The pronunciation of this phrase is relatively simple, with each word pronounced distinctly and clearly.
The term "wast neck and neck" is an idiomatic expression that is derived from the phrase "neck and neck." When two or more individuals or groups are said to be "neck and neck," it means that they are in a close and competitive position, with no noticeable advantage of one over the other. This phrase is commonly used to describe a horse race or any other competitive event where the contenders are evenly matched, making it impossible to predict the ultimate winner.
The addition of the word "wast" to the phrase emphasizes the idea of a close competition in terms of wastefulness or expenditure. This variant is often used to describe situations where two or more parties are equally wasteful or extravagant in their actions, habits, or use of resources. It implies that all the parties involved are equally inefficient, extravagant, or excessive in their behavior, making it difficult to differentiate who is the worst in terms of wastefulness.
Overall, "wast neck and neck" encapsulates the concept of a competitive race where the contenders are closely matched and equally wasteful, potentially highlighting the lack of prudence, moderation, or efficiency in their actions.