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
The expiration date is often listed on the back of your ticket.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Over the past week spectators have questioned how well Trump may be, after persistent bruising was spotted on the back of his right hand.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, Trump, 79, was spotted with bruising on the back of his right hand in the Oval Office, days after his other hand was photographed with a smaller bruise.
—Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Play for the name on the front of the jersey, but also on the back of the jersey.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the back of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Over the past week spectators have questioned how well Trump may be, after persistent bruising was spotted on the back of his right hand.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, Trump, 79, was spotted with bruising on the back of his right hand in the Oval Office, days after his other hand was photographed with a smaller bruise.
—Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Play for the name on the front of the jersey, but also on the back of the jersey.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
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 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share