[break] the back of {sth}
1
to manage to finish the most important or most difficult part of something, particularly a task
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.
- They are determined to break the back of the project and achieve success.
- She breaks the back of difficult tasks with her unwavering focus and determination.
- The team breaks the back of challenges by collaborating effectively and finding innovative solutions.
- He broke the back of the competition with his outstanding performance.
- After months of hard work, they finally broke the back of the problem and found a solution.