Phrase guide

break someone's back

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

Alternative form of break the back of (overburden).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: alt-of, alternative, idiomatic

Examples

  • Would it break your back to pay me a compliment once in a while?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Synonym of blow someone's back out.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: blow someone's back out

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break, back.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.