# break the back of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/break-the-back-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- We have broken the back of this project today.
- After working all weekend on the report, we finally broke the back of the most difficult section.
- Once the team broke the back of the complex technical challenges, the remaining tasks seemed much easier to manage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.