What is the origin of the idiom "break the back of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "break the back of something" likely emerged from a combination of the metaphorical use of "breaking" to denote overcoming or defeating something challenging, and the imagery of breaking the backbone of an animal to render it powerless. This expression can be used in professional settings to describe the completion of a difficult project, the resolution of a complex issue, or the achievement of a major milestone.