jdm. das Rückgrat brechen (auch fig.)

to break someone's backbone

Türkçe: birinin belini kırmak

Noun

Rückgrat n.

Verb

brechen

Topic

Kommunikation

In a sentence

Die ständige Kritik brach 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