break one's back (to do something)

break one's back (to do something)
break one's neck (to do something) & break one's back (to do something)
Fig. to work very hard to accomplish something. •

I broke my neck to get here on time.

There is no point in breaking your back. Take your time.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • break one's back (or neck) — put great effort into achieving something. → break …   English new terms dictionary

  • break one's back — ► break one s back (or neck) put great effort into achieving something. Main Entry: ↑break …   English terms dictionary

  • break one's neck — ► break one s back (or neck) put great effort into achieving something. Main Entry: ↑break …   English terms dictionary

  • break — ► VERB (past broke; past part. broken) 1) separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. 2) make or become inoperative; stop working. 3) interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course). 4) fail to observe (a law, regulation, or… …   English terms dictionary

  • break — break1 verb (past broke; past participle broken) 1》 separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.     ↘(of waves) curl over and dissolve into foam.     ↘(of the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus) be discharged when the sac is… …   English new terms dictionary

  • back — I. /bæk / (say bak) noun 1. the hinder part of the human body, extending from the neck to the end of the spine. 2. the part of the body of animals corresponding to the human back. 3. the rear portion of any part or organ of the body: the back of… …  

  • Something Positive — logo, Mr. Personality. Author(s) R. K. Milholland Website http:/ …   Wikipedia

  • back to the salt mines — {informal} Back to the job; back to work; back to work that is as hard or as unpleasant as working in a salt mine would be. An overworked phrase, used humorously. * /The lunch hour is over, boys. Back to the salt mines!/ * / Vacation is over,… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • back to the salt mines — {informal} Back to the job; back to work; back to work that is as hard or as unpleasant as working in a salt mine would be. An overworked phrase, used humorously. * /The lunch hour is over, boys. Back to the salt mines!/ * / Vacation is over,… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • break — break1 [ breık ] (past tense broke [ brouk ] ; past participle broken [ broukən ] ) verb *** ▸ 1 separate into pieces ▸ 2 fail to obey rules ▸ 3 make a hole/cut ▸ 4 destroy someone s confidence ▸ 5 when people learn news ▸ 6 stop for a short time …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • break — break1 W1S1 [breık] v past tense broke [brəuk US brouk] past participle broken [ˈbrəukən US ˈbrou ] ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(separate into pieces)¦ 2¦(bones)¦ 3¦(machines)¦ 4¦(rules/laws)¦ 5¦(promise/agreement)¦ 6¦(stop/rest)¦ 7¦(end something)¦ …   Dictionary of contemporary English

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