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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Vietnam's economy has boomed in recent years on the back of soaring manufacturing and exports. John Ruwitch, NPR, 6 Apr. 2025 So Mamie handcuffs her and puts her on the back of her horse. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 Apr. 2025 Poulter, 32, announced his tattoo — which is located on the back of his calf — during an Access Hollywood interview alongside Woon-A-Tai and Melton, who could not believe their eyes. Bailey Richards, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 All guns manufactured in the United States, as well as those imported from abroad, are legally required to have serial numbers that are typically displayed on the back of the frame. Annie Karni, New York Times, 26 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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