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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2018, Star India won the digital and television rights to IPL, building Hotstar on the back of cheap data and widespread smartphone usage in India. —Mimansa Verma, Quartz, 11 May 2023

On his way down, however, Embiid inadvertently landed on the back of Williams’s head, sending his face straight into the floor. —Nicole Yang, BostonGlobe.com, 6 May 2023

These turtles have a pattern on the back of their head in the shape of two eyes – possibly an evolutionary trait, some scientists suggest, meant to scare off predators. —Chris Lau, CNN, 29 Apr. 2023

The whole contraption weighs under 1.5 pounds, and the foam head can release from the handle for compact storage: The handle snaps into two brackets on the back of the foam head. —Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2023

Dominik Mysterio landed right on the back of his head while taking a sunset flip bomb from Zayn. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2023

The popularity of the show has soared on the back of a cheating scandal, generating unexpected fame for one entertainment attorney. — Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Lil Yachty, other celebs hit with SEC charges for boosting crypto. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2023

During Culkin’s visit to The Tonight Show on Friday, host Jimmy Fallon noted that the actor’s character, Roman Roy, appears to enjoy sitting on chairs in unconventional ways, including resting himself on the back of one. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2023

Materials Phillips head screwdriver Towel Pliers Small bowl Universal toilet flush valve Sponge or shop vac Step One: Remove the Toilet Lid First, begin by removing the toilet lid on the back of the toilet. —Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, 24 Mar. 2023

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