backbone

colonna vertebrale, spina dorsale

Serie di ossa collegate che percorre il centro della schiena di una persona o di un animale.

In inglese semplice: The line of connected bones down the middle of a person's or animal's back.

• Fish have a backbone.
• The fall damaged his backbone.
• Which animals have no backbone?

Sinonimi: spine, spinal column

Espressioni comuni: broken backbone, animal backbone, backbone injury

spina dorsale, pilastro

Parte essenziale che sostiene qualcosa e gli permette di restare forte o funzionare bene.

In inglese semplice: The most important part that supports something and keeps it strong or working well.

• Volunteers are the backbone of this club.
• Railways once formed the backbone of trade.
• These cables provide the network's backbone.

Come si usa: the backbone of something (Small farms are the backbone of the local economy.)

Sinonimi: mainstay, foundation, core

Espressioni comuni: backbone of something, economic backbone, network backbone, transport backbone

coraggio, fermezza

Coraggio di difendersi o fare ciò che si ritiene giusto, anche quando è difficile.

In inglese semplice: The courage to defend yourself or do what you believe is right, even when it is difficult.

• Show some backbone!
• He lacked the backbone to say no.
• Our new leader has plenty of backbone.

Come si usa: have the backbone to do something (She had the backbone to challenge the decision.)

Sinonimi: courage, resolve, strength

Contrari: cowardice

Espressioni comuni: show some backbone, have some backbone, lack backbone, have backbone