(idiomatic) To take a risk, putting oneself in a vulnerable position.

(idiomatic) Alternative form of albatross around one's neck

(idiomatic, figuratively) A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Alternative form of fall on someone's neck

(colloquial) Very stupid; brain-dead.

Extremely busy; having many pressing obligations, distractions, etc consuming one's time.

(informal, humorous) The analysis of one's own thoughts or beliefs with a view to reforming oneself.

plural of checkup from the neck up

(in combinations) The state or quality of having a particular type of neck.

It is easy to lose sight of one's initial objective, becoming caught up in subtasks or in tasks only tangentially related to the original goal.