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
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.
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the back of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20back%20of. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!