"Break my back" is an expression that conveys the idea of putting forth a great deal of effort, often to the point of exhaustion or beyond what is normally expected. It is used to describe situations where someone is working extremely hard, sometimes in a physical sense but often metaphorically, to indicate intense dedication or labor towards a task or goal. This phrase can be used in various contexts, from literal physical labor to any strenuous or exhaustive effort in work, studies, or other activities.
In short:
"Break my back" means working very hard, often too hard, implying that the effort required is so intense it could metaphorically 'break one's back.' This expression is commonly used to emphasize the difficulty of a task or the level of dedication and effort someone is willing to put into achieving something. It conveys a sense of significant personal sacrifice or exertion that goes beyond the norm.
More about the phrase's meaning:
The phrase "break one's back" has been used for centuries. It is an old English idiom commonly used during the 15th century. The expression likely comes from the literal sense of physically breaking one's back due to strenuous labor, symbolizing the ultimate limit of physical effort. In contemporary language, "break my back" is still used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is putting in tremendous effort, often beyond what is reasonable or expected.
"No, precious creature: I had rather crack my sinews, break my back, Than you should such dishonour undergo, While I sit lazy by."
- "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
Here are some examples to illustrate how "break my back" can be used:
This phrase might not be as commonly depicted in pop culture in its literal form but is often understood in contexts where characters undertake extreme efforts or face difficult challenges.
Alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning include:
"Break my back" means to work extremely hard, often to the point of physical or mental exhaustion. It reflects a high level of effort and dedication to a task or goal.
While it showcases hard work and dedication, it's usually used in a negative context to highlight the excessive strain and effort involved.
Yes, it can be used in professional settings to describe the intense effort put into work or projects, though it's more informal.
No, it can refer to any intense effort, whether physical, mental, or emotional.
You can use it to describe a situation where you or someone else is working very hard: "I'm not going to break my back over a job that doesn't value my effort."
It's best suited for informal or conversational writing, as it's a colloquial phrase.
Yes, it often serves as a hyperbole to emphasize the extreme effort or hard work someone is putting into something.
While universally understood in English-speaking cultures, its interpretation may vary based on context and the listener's perspective on work and effort.
It can be, especially if used to describe overcoming challenges through hard work, though it usually highlights the effort's toll.
The phrase has been in use for some time and continues to be relevant, although it may have evolved in usage and context over the years.
The phrase "break my back" vividly illustrates the lengths to which people are willing to go to achieve their goals or complete tasks. It highlights both the commendable dedication and the potential risks of overexertion.
To sum it up:
