0462 Break the back of something

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[0462] Break the back of something

Explanation

To complete the main, most difficult, or largest part of a task, job, or challenge.
Once you've broken the back of it, the remaining work is perceived as significantly easier, smaller, or less daunting.
It signifies passing the major hurdle or peak effort point.

Origin

The exact origin is uncertain, but the imagery is strong. Possible interpretations include:

1. Breaking the spine/backbone: Suggests overcoming the core structure or main support of the difficulty/workload. Once the backbone is broken, the rest collapses or is easily handled.
2. Agricultural labor: Could relate to breaking up the hardest soil or completing the most strenuous part of harvesting or plowing.

The phrase implies that the main resistance or difficulty has been overcome. Common usage dates from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Nailed the hard part / Got the tough bit done
The heavy lifting is over
Got the main chunk finished

More Formal:

Completed the most challenging/substantial phase
Overcome the primary obstacle
Finished the core component/task
Surmounted the main difficulty

Situational Appropriateness

Common in work, project management, and general task-completion contexts.
Appropriate for informal and semi-formal settings. It's a well-understood idiom for expressing progress against difficulty.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The literal image (breaking a back) sounds violent or destructive. Ensure non-native speakers understand it metaphorically means completing the *hardest part* of a task, signifying progress and relief, not actual damage.

Examples

We stayed late and processed most of the invoices. I think we've broken the back of the month-end closing.
If we can finish writing the main chapters this month, we'll have broken the back of the book.
Painting the downstairs took ages, but now we've broken the back of the decorating.

Dialogue

Colleague A: How are you getting on with coding that complex algorithm?

Colleague B: It was a real struggle, especially the recursive part, but I finally got it working correctly this morning. Feels like I've broken the back of it.

Colleague A: That's brilliant! So the integration should be simpler now?

Colleague B: Yeah, integrating it with the main application should be relatively straightforward compared to that beast.

Response Patterns

Relief/Agreement: That's fantastic news!, Great, so the worst is over?, Thank goodness!
Encouragement: Excellent work! Keep pushing through the rest., Nearly there then!
Clarification: So what's left to do now?, How much easier is the remaining part?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After stating you've broken the back of a task:

Discussing remaining steps: What are the next tasks?, How long do you estimate for the rest?, Is the remaining work straightforward?
Expressing relief or congratulations: That must feel good!, Well done on getting through the tough part.
Shifting focus or resources: Planning the completion of the easier remaining parts.

Conversation Starter

No. Used to report significant progress on a specific, often difficult, task or project.

Intonation

Often spoken with a sense of relief, accomplishment, or progress.
Emphasis usually on broken and back.
Phew, I think we've finally BROKEN the BACK of it.

Generation Differences

Widely understood. It might be used slightly more often by older generations (Gen X, Boomers), but the meaning is generally clear across age groups involved in projects or extended tasks.

Regional Variations

Particularly common in British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English. Also used and understood in North American English, perhaps slightly less frequently than over the hump.

Pull your weight

🎲 Throw under the bus