ENENENEN
FR
ES
RU
IT
TR
UKbreak the back of sth
/bɹˈeɪk ðə bˈak ɒv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
/bɹˈeɪk ðə bˈæk ʌv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/to break the back of sth
[PHRASE]1
to manage to finish the most important or most difficult part of something, particularly a task
![to [break] the back of {sth} definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40395/original/ "to [break] the back of {sth} definition and meaning")
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.