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Break Someone's Back

What Does "Break Someone's Back" Mean?

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"Break someone's back" is an English idiom. It means "to overburden or push someone too hard."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "break someone's back" used in a sentence:
  • The constant demands of his job are breaking his back.
  • She feels that her boss is trying to break her back with all the additional tasks.
  • You'll break your team's back if you keep adding more work without compensation.
meaning for break someone's back

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Break Someone's Back" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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