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
Recent Examples on the Web
One officer could be seen pressing his foot on the back of Stevens’ neck as others struggled to get his arms behind his back.
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Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Passengers in the rear are also treated to individual screens positioned on the back of each front seat.
—New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024
Patterson — The dental and animal health company soared 36% on the back of news that Patterson would be acquired by Patient Square Capital .
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
After the accident in October, Lula was left with a cut on the back of his head, slightly above his neck.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
Passengers in the rear are also treated to individual screens positioned on the back of each front seat.
—New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024
Patterson — The dental and animal health company soared 36% on the back of news that Patterson would be acquired by Patient Square Capital .
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
After the accident in October, Lula was left with a cut on the back of his head, slightly above his neck.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on the back of
Dictionary Entries Near on the back of
Cite this Entry
“On the back of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20back%20of. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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