backbone

have no backbone

To have no courage, resolve, or strength of character. I just wish Tom would have stood up for our team when the CEO started criticizing our work. For a manager, he seems to have no backbone. These politicians have no backbone. They just do and say whatever will get them elected.

See also: backbone, have, no

put (one's) backbone into (something)

To exert a strong effort toward (doing) something. Come on, we need to get this car off the road. Put your backbone into it and push! It's clear that the legislators have put their backbones into crafting a bill that will find support across party lines, as well in the general population.

See also: backbone, put

put backbone into (one)

To embolden one; to give one courage or determination. All of their encouragement put backbone into me to tell the boss we wanted better working conditions. She was afraid of changing careers, but the thought of staying in this dead end job forever put backbone into Janet.

See also: backbone, put

success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone

Success is achieved through dedication and effort, not one's hopes, dreams, or wishful thinking. You need to work on your writing every single day if you really want to be a famous author because success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone.

See also: depend, not, on, success

to the backbone

Through and through; thoroughly; in every manner or respect. The fellow is stubborn to the backbone; he won't even listen to my plan the whole way through! Though he grew up in America, Henry is still British to the backbone.

See also: backbone, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put backbone into someone

encourage someone to behave resolutely.

As a metaphor for ‘firmness of character’, backbone dates from the mid 19th century.

1998 Spectator There is a widespread belief that if only Mrs Thatcher had still been in No. 10, she would have put backbone into Bush and got rid of Saddam .

See also: backbone, put, someone

to the backbone

in every respect; through and through.

See also: backbone, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

backbone

n. courage; integrity. (Colloquial.) If you had any backbone, you would be able to deal with this.

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.