break one's back

Idioms and Phrases

Also, break one's neck . Make a great effort, work very hard. For example, I've been breaking my back over this problem for the past week , or Don't break your neck to get there; we'll wait for you . Both versions of this expression, polite equivalents of break one's ass , transfer the literal fracture of one's back or neck to figurative exertion. However, break one's neck has the secondary connotation of proceeding with reckless speed, a sense also conveyed by the term breakneck pace . Originally this idiom alluded to literally breaking one's neck by rushing heedlessly along, but it has been used figuratively for the past 300 years. Also see break the back of .

Example Sentences

This continual lifting of the heavily loaded sledges is calculated to break one’s back; but better times are coming, perhaps.

From Project Gutenberg

The beds were so low as to break one's back, and had iron sides which were always in the way; and when we came to the end of our sheets—well, we came to the end of them, and that was all.

From Project Gutenberg

"My goodness," he whispered to Ned, "that all-fours' work is enough to break one's back, Ned."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cope
• seek
• strive
• tackle
• toil
• try