break the back of

== English == === Pronunciation === === Verb === break the back of (third-person singular simple present breaks the back of, present participle breaking the back of, simple past broke the back of, past participle broken the back of) (idiomatic) To complete the greater part of (a project) or solve the most critical part of (a problem). To overburden (a person, group, or organization). To cripple. ==== Translations ==== === See also === break someone's back