To assume or expose oneself to some risk, danger, or responsibility; to imperil oneself or put oneself in harm's way; to risk damaging one's reputation. Look, I'm putting my neck on the block for you here. I could get fired if they find out what we're up to! You have to take some risks to be successful in business and in life, but don't put your neck on the block for no good reason. The news anchor put his neck on the block by publicly disparaging one of the presidential candidates on live television.