# put one's back into

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-ones-back-into
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of strive: to apply oneself.

## Examples

- If you put your back into it, you will finish the work quickly.
- The team knew they had to put their backs into the project to meet the difficult deadline.
- Only by putting his full back into the demanding labor could he hope to complete the restoration before the winter storms arrived.

## Origin

Derived from the physical exertion required to move a heavy object by straining with the entire body. The phrase originates in the mechanics of manual labour and shares its imagery with the related expression to put one's shoulder to the wheel.

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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.