When To Use The Idiom "Break the Back of" In A Sentence

The Idiom "Break the Back of" Meaning, Usage and Context

The idiom "break the back of" means to overcome the most difficult part of something. It is a figurative expression, as it does not literally mean to break the back of something. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 16th century, and it is believed to be related to the physical labor that was common at the time. For example, a farmer might say that they had "broken the back of the harvest" once they had finished the most difficult part of the work.

The idiom "break the back of" can be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to describe a physical task, such as moving a heavy object, or a mental task, such as solving a difficult problem. It can also be used to describe a challenge or obstacle that has been overcome.

Here are some examples of how the idiom "break the back of" can be used in sentences:

The firefighters broke the back of the fire after several hours of work.
The company broke the back of the recession after a few tough years.
The student broke the back of the exam by studying hard for the first few weeks.
The athlete broke the back of the race by setting a fast pace early on.
The politician broke the back of the campaign by winning the early primaries.
The doctor broke the back of the disease by developing a new treatment.
The team broke the back of the season by winning their first few games.
The volunteers broke the back of the cleanup effort by clearing the debris from the first few blocks.
The artist broke the back of the painting by finishing the background.
The writer broke the back of the novel by finishing the first draft.

The idiom "break the back of" is a powerful way to describe the overcoming of a challenge. It can be used to express hope, determination, or even relief. The next time you are facing a difficult task, remember that you can "break the back of it" by taking it one step at a time.

Part of speech: The idiom "break the back of" is a verb phrase. It is made up of the verb "break" and the prepositional phrase "the back of."

Usage: The idiom "break the back of" is typically used in informal speech and writing. It is not commonly used in formal contexts.

Origin: The idiom "break the back of" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is believed to be related to the physical labor that was common at the time. For example, a farmer might say that they had "broken the back of the harvest" once they had finished the most difficult part of the work.

Synonyms: Some synonyms for the idiom "break the back of" include:

overcome
surmount
vanquish
conquer
prevail

Antonyms: Some antonyms for the idiom "break the back of" include:

fail
give up
succumb
yield
surrender

I hope this blog post has helped you to understand the meaning, usage, and origin of the idiom "break the back of." Please feel free to use it in your own writing and speech.

Comments

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

'Strings Attached' Idiom Meaning and Examples

The idiom " strings attached " is an expression used to indicate that a certain favor or benefit comes with conditions or limitations. It is usually used to refer to an offer that sounds too good to be true, because it often is. This idiom can be used both in literal and figurative contexts. Synonyms for this phrase include “ conditional offer ”, “ conditional favor ”, “ conditional benefit ” or “ with a catch ”. This idiom is a noun phrase, used to refer to the conditions that accompany a certain offer or benefit. The origin of this phrase is not known, but it is likely related to the idea of being attached to strings, or something that can be easily manipulated or controlled. Examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence include: I heard he's giving out free computers but with strings attached. She said I could use her car, but there were strings attached. He offered me a promotion, but of course there are strings attached. He said he'll pa...

The Cherry on Top: An Exploration of This Delightful Idiom

Meaning The idiom "the cherry on top" refers to the final touch that makes something exceptionally good. It describes a delightful or perfect addition to an already positive or impressive situation. Think of it as an extra flourish that brings satisfaction or enhances the overall experience. Usage This idiom is commonly used to highlight a bonus or an additional benefit. It’s versatile and appears in contexts ranging from casual conversations to professional settings. Here are a few examples: "The project was already a success, but the glowing client review was the cherry on top." "Winning the championship was incredible, and being named MVP was the cherry on top." "The free dessert at the restaurant was the cherry on top of a fantastic evening." Etymology and History The phrase originates from the practice of placing a cherry as the decorative final touch on desserts, such as sundaes, cakes, and pastries. This tradition emerged in the ...

💛 What Does Yellow-Livered Mean? 🐔 Unpacking This Bold Old Insult

Language is a living time capsule, holding centuries of culture, emotion, and expression. One of the more colorful idioms still echoing from the past is “yellow-livered” — a phrase packed with history, emotion, and character judgment. But what does it really mean to call someone yellow-livered , and how can we use it effectively (and ethically) today? 📜 Origin & Meaning of Yellow-Livered 🧬 The adjective yellow-livered is an old-fashioned and somewhat theatrical insult meaning cowardly or lacking in courage . The phrase comes from the outdated belief that the liver was the seat of emotions and character. In old medical theories, especially those stemming from the humoral theory of ancient Greece, a healthy liver was associated with bravery and vigor. A “yellow” liver , associated with bile, suggested sickness, weakness, or fear . So, to be yellow-livered is to be timid, spineless, or afraid to face challenges , especially in situations where bravery is expected. Lingui...

🌟 Unpacking the Phrase: What Does “Wrapped Up In” Really Mean? 🎁

In everyday language, we often use idioms to express emotions, involvement, or priorities. One such expression is “wrapped up in” , which might sound simple at first but actually carries layers of meaning. From being emotionally invested to physically covered or fully occupied, the phrase serves as a vivid linguistic tool. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of “wrapped up in” from different angles, providing context, examples, and insight into its versatile use across scenarios. 🎭 Emotional Angle: When You’re Wrapped Up in Feelings ❤️ The phrase is most commonly used to convey deep emotional involvement. When someone says they are wrapped up in a relationship, a problem, or a past experience, it means their mind and heart are entirely preoccupied by it. This usage reflects how emotional experiences can consume our thoughts and influence our actions. For example: “She was so wrapped up in her grief that she barely noticed the days passing by.” This emotiona...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog