break the back of

动词 v.

中文释义

英文释义

动词 v.

To complete the greater part of (a project) or solve the most critical part of (a problem). idiomatic

— I've broken the back of painting the shed – I'll finish it after lunch.
To overburden (a person, group, or organization).

— You will have heard of the three kathia system. It broke the back of the farmers.
To cripple.

— I don't think it has broken the back of organized crime at all in the New England area, any more than I think when we got convictions in Buffalo that it broke the back of organized crime in Buffalo, or when Mr. McKeon got convictions in Detroit it broke the back of organized crime in Detroit.

breaks the back of present,singular,third-person breaking the back of participle,present broke the back of past broken the back of participle,past