back bone
Courage under pressure
Back bone is an alternate spelling of backbone—the spinal column, or figuratively, the central supporting structure of something.
The two-word form appears occasionally but the single word is standard.
The text lacks a back bone of argument.
See backbone.
- vertebraSegmented bone of spine
- lumbarOf the lower spine
- skeletonInternal supportive framework
- cervicalOf the neck
- discFlat circular object
spine · sacrum · coccyx · fortitude · moral fiber · determination · stiff upper lip · steadfastness · inner strength · mainstay · tenacity · perseverance · no guts no glory · pillar · mettle · courage · grit · resolve
back bonesoft tissue
Non-rigid body structures
cartilage · muscle · sternum · ribcage · breastbone
back bonespinelessness
Lack of courage
cowardice · weakness · timidity · gutlessness · pusillanimity
back boneperiphery
Boundary or outer region
fringe · non-essential · inessential · appendage · accessory