break (one's) back
To put forth a great deal of effort. I've been breaking my back trying to get a passing grade this semester, so failing by two measly points is incredibly frustrating. Don't break your back trying to please these people—they'll never appreciate it. I've been breaking my back to find a way out of these legal problems, but, as of now, I'm still going to prison.
break back
In tennis, to win a game immediately after losing the previous game as the server. The tennis star broke back seven times after losing serve during the tournament. I wouldn't gloat about winning that game—you're playing against one of the best in the world, and she can definitely break back. If you keep breaking back like that, you'll go far in this competition.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
break one's back
(to do something) Go to break one's neck (to do something).
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
break your back
If you break your back to do something, you work extremely hard to try to do it. When you're breaking your back to make a business work, it's going to cut into your time with family. `I had been travelling all over the country, breaking my back just to get a job,' she says.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
break your ˈback doing something/to do something
work very hard to achieve something: I’ve been breaking my back to sell as many books as I can. ▶ ˈback-breaking adj. (of physical work) very hard and tiringFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017