Very close, scrawny couple? (4,3,4)

I believe the answer is:

neck and neck

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'very close' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for neck and neck that I've seen before include "Level pegging" , "Keep on kissing" , "Absolutely level (in race)" , "side by side" , "keep on canoodling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app

Connecting...