E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Neck.
“Oh that the Roman people had but one neck, that I might cut it off at a blow!” The words of Calig’ula, the Roman emperor.
1
To break the neck of an enterprise. To begin it successfully, and overcome the first difficulties. Well begun is half done. The allusion is to killing fowls by breaking their necks.
