break the back of

phrase

: to subdue the main force of

break the back of inflation

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of break the back of was in 1623

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break sweat

break the back of

break the bank

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Style

“Break the back of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20the%20back%20of. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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break the back of

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