jdm. das Rückgrat brechen (auch fig.)

to break someone's backbone

Türkçe: birinin belini kırmak

Noun

das Rückgrat n.

Verb

brechen

Topic

Kommunikation

Register

Neutral register

Watch out. Avoid using literally in casual conversation.

In a sentence

Which form of brechen fills the gap?

Die ständige Kritik ____ dem Künstler endgültig das Rückgrat.

How it is used

Figuratively means to destroy someone's spirit or willpower. Neutral register. Use when describing how constant criticism from a boss broke an employee's motivation. Avoid using literally in casual conversation.

Other verbs that go with Rückgrat

This is the choice the collocation turns on.

• Rückgrat zeigento show backbone

All collocations with Rückgrat

Other collocations built on brechen

• sich Bahn brechento force one's way through
• einen Eid brechento violate or break a solemn promise
• die Ehe brechento commit adultery, breaking marriage vows
• das Eis brechento break the ice
• sich den Fuß brechento break one's foot
• das Gesetz brechento break the law
• jdm. das Herz brechento break someone's heart
• etw. übers Knie brechento rush/hurry something

All 15 collocations built on brechen

More from Kommunikation

• eine Anweisung bekommen / erhaltento receive an instruction
• einen Vorschlag machento make a suggestion
• jdn. um einen Gefallen bittento ask sb. a favour
• jdm. Auskunft erteilen / gebento give someone information
• Bericht verfassento write a report

All collocations in Kommunikation