break the back of (something)

to destroy something.

Police are hoping they can break the back of these gangs.

Experts say we will have to live in a state of high alert until we break the back of terrorism.

Etymology: based on the idea that breaking the back of an animal or person usually kills it

• cut the Gordian knot
• cut the ground from under feet
• cut the ground from under someone feet
• cut the ground from under someone's feet
• cut the umbilical cord
• cut things fine
• cut through
• cut through like a hot knife through butter
• cut through like a knife through butter
• cut through something
• cut through something like a hot knife through butter
• cut through something like a knife through butter
• cut to the chase
• cut to the quick
• cut two ways
• cut up rough
• cut your coat according to cloth
• cut your coat according to your cloth
• cut your losses
• cut your own throat
• cut your teeth
• cut your teeth in
• cut your teeth in something
• damned if do and damned if don't
• damned if do and damned if you don't