on the back of
idiom
1
: because of or on the strength of (something)
Profits have increased on the back of improved international sales.
2
disapproving
: by using the efforts of (other people)
The company has achieved record profits on the back of cheap labor.
Examples of on the back of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ugg Women's Mini Bailey Bow II Boot There’s a sweet surprise on the back of this Ugg Mini Boot—a satin bow that adds a playful element to one of Ugg’s core styles.
—
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
One of the suspects was described as a Black man, wearing a black NorthFace jacket, black pants and white shoes with blue on the back of the shoes.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
On Tuesday, rare-earth miners surged on the back of the critical minerals stockpile announcement.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Tensions between the global superpowers have eased in recent months on the back of a landmark meeting between the heads of state in October wherein a trade framework was established.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
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Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
One of the suspects was described as a Black man, wearing a black NorthFace jacket, black pants and white shoes with blue on the back of the shoes.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
On Tuesday, rare-earth miners surged on the back of the critical minerals stockpile announcement.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Tensions between the global superpowers have eased in recent months on the back of a landmark meeting between the heads of state in October wherein a trade framework was established.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for on the back of
Cite this Entry
“On the back of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20back%20of. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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