on the back of

idiom

1
: because of or on the strength of (something)
Profits have increased on the back of improved international sales.
2
disapproving : by using the efforts of (other people)
The company has achieved record profits on the back of cheap labor.

Examples of on the back of in a Sentence

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Dozens of Syrians are cutting and collecting wood branches, tying them in bunches and hauling them on the back of pickup trucks, bicycles and motorcycles. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025 There is precedent for young goalkeepers making moves to the Premier League on the back of impressive campaigns in League One, with Gavin Bazunu and James Trafford both moving for more than £10million. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Draped on the back of the sofa behind Kevin were multiple ultrasound photos, a pair of baby’s shoes and a custom onesie. Angel Saunders, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Netflix shares rallied more than 9% on Wednesday on the back of its strong fourth-quarter reports, marking their best day since Oct. 18. Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for on the back of 

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Cite this Entry

“On the back of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20back%20of. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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