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to break the back of something
01
to manage to finish the most important or most difficult part of something, particularly a task
Idiom
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.
Example
With their resilience and dedication, they are destined to break the back of any challenge that comes their way.
After months of hard work, they finally broke the back of the problem and found a solution.
They will break the back of the obstacle and reach their desired outcome.
After hours of effort, the technicians finally broke the back of the beast and turned the electricity back on again.
In the future, advancements in technology will help break the back of barriers to progress.
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