Break the back of (something) verb phrase
To complete the main or worst part of something
We've broken the back of the project. Things are gonna be easy from now on.
You should not break the back of the test first, otherwise you may end up running out of time without answering easy questions.
To end or stop something; to destroy it completely
Actions has recently been taken to break the back of the smuggling of drugs into the country.
The police broke the back of many crime activities in the city.
The verb "break" must be conjugated according to its tense.
The origin of this phrase is not clear.