break one's back

Definition & Meaning of "[break] {one's} back"

to break one's back

to work as hard as one can to achieve a particular result

What is the origin of the idiom "break one's back" and when to use it?

The idiom "break one's back" originated from the imagery of physical labor or heavy manual work that could potentially result in a back injury or strain. It is commonly employed in discussions about hard work, dedication, or strenuous labor. This expression can be used in work-related scenarios to describe someone going above and beyond their duties, putting in long hours, or taking on additional tasks to achieve success or meet demanding deadlines.