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Definition

To complete the greater part of (a project) or solve the most critical part of (a problem).

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In Context

  • "I've broken the back of painting the shed – I'll finish it after lunch."
  • "[…] broke the back of the housing problem in this country ."
  • "I think we will find, or I predict that we will find, that during the course of this year we will break the back of the energy crisis."
  • "I plan to grab my chance to take a break by trying to break the back of all the tasks that have flown through the ether into my inbox during the course of the morning."
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See Also

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Related Idioms

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To treat a problem as greater than it is; to blow something out of pro…

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thick end

Most; the greater part (of an amount of money).

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In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vul…

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back forty

The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.
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