Break the back of something

usgb
phrase

To complete the hardest part of a task or piece of work.

After studying for hours, I finally managed to break the back of my homework.
Visual representation of "break the back of something" - To complete the hardest part of a task or piece of work

Often appears as...

  • break the back of the project
  • break the back of the task
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "break the back of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Figurative Meaning

Used metaphorically to describe the point where significant progress makes a task easier to finish.

Illustration for Figurative Meaning
Once we've finalized the design, we'll have broken the back of the project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Perseverance Implication

Implies that effort and persistence were necessary to reach this stage of the task.

Illustration for Perseverance Implication
It took all night, but we finally broke the back of the encryption code.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Not to be confused with physically breaking something; it's about overcoming a major challenge.

Illustration for Not Literal
It felt great to break the back of my thesis after months of research.
Visual representation of the word "Break the back of something"

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