Phrase guide

break the back of

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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1

verb

Meaning 1

To complete the greater part of (a project) or solve the most critical part of (a problem).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I've broken the back of painting the shed – I'll finish it after lunch.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To overburden (a person, group, or organization).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To cripple.

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.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: tehdä suurin osa — to complete the greater part of
  • Polish: kończyć większą część projektu — to complete the greater part of
  • Polish: skończyć większą część projektu — to complete the greater part of
  • Ottoman Turkish: قولایلامق (kolaylamak) — to complete the greater part of