Meaning & use
below the collar
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
On the part of the body lower than the collar, especially the neck, shoulders, or upper chest.
Grammar: Used as an adverbial or adjectival phrase after a verb or noun: 'a rash below the collar'.
Patterns
- below the collar
- a mark below the collar
The doctor noticed a small bruise below the collar.
She wore a necklace that hung just below the collar.
The sunburn was worst below the collar.
phrasefixed phrase
In a position lower than the collar of a piece of clothing, often used to describe a style of shirt or dress.
Grammar: Usually used after a noun or verb to show the position of a design or cut.
Patterns
- below the collar
- a design below the collar
The dress has a lace trim below the collar.
He prefers shirts with buttons below the collar.
The logo is printed below the collar on the back.
Common combinations
- a rash below the collar
- He developed a rash below the collar after wearing the new shirt.
- a bruise below the collar
- The fall left a bruise below the collar.
- below the collar line
- The tan was darkest below the collar line.
- just below the collar
- She pinned the brooch just below the collar.
Synonyms and how they differ
- below the neck
- More common in everyday speech; it refers to the whole area under the neck, not just near the collar.
- on the upper chest
- More specific to the front of the chest; 'below the collar' can also include the back and shoulders.
Opposites
Commonly confused: below the collar or below the belt?
below the collar vs below the belt
This is an idiom meaning unfair or against the rules. 'Below the collar' is literal and refers to a physical location.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'below the collar' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'below the collar' is used literally to describe a position on the body lower than the collar. Option A uses 'below the belt' idiomatically, C is nonsense, and D is not a standard expression. Option B correctly describes the position of a necklace.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “below the collar”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.