spine
The line of bones in the middle of your back that helps you stand and move.
The row of small bones running down the middle of the back in humans and other animals, forming the backbone.
The courage to say what you think and to do what you believe is right, even when it is hard.
Firmness, courage, or strength of character, especially the ability to stand up to pressure or opposition.
The long middle part of something that holds it together or is its main support.
The main central part of a long structure, area, or system that supports or organizes the rest.
The thin side of a book that you see on a shelf, where the pages are joined and the title is written.
The narrow outside edge of a book where the pages are joined and where the title is usually printed.
A long, thin, sharp point that comes out from a plant, animal, or object.
A long, thin, hard, sharp structure that sticks out from the surface of a plant, animal, or object.
- Base: spine
- Plural: spines
break the spine of something
1destroy the main strength
To destroy or greatly weaken the main power or strength of something.
- The new law aims to break the spine of organized crime.
- Their victory broke the spine of the opposition movement.
grow a spine
1become braver and more firm
To start being braver and more ready to say what you think or to say no.
- It's time for the board to grow a spine and reject the plan.
- He finally grew a spine and complained about the unfair rules.
have no spine
1be weak or cowardly
To be too weak or afraid to stand up for yourself or for what is right.
- The manager has no spine and always agrees with the owner.
- They say the party has no spine on this issue.
make someone's spine tingle
1cause a strong tingling emotion
To give someone a strong feeling of fear, pleasure, or excitement, often as a physical tingling feeling.
- The singer's high note made my spine tingle.
- The dark, empty house made his spine tingle with fear.
- Her words made his spine tingle with excitement.
put some spine into something
1add energy or courage
To make something stronger, more active, or more brave.
- The new coach put some spine into the team.
- We need to put some spine into our campaign.
send shivers down someone's spine
1cause sudden fear or excitement
To make someone suddenly feel very afraid or very excited.
- The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine.
- The horror movie trailer sent shivers down my spine.
- The national anthem always sends shivers down his spine.
spine-chilling
1extremely frightening
Very frightening; making you feel strong fear.
- They told a spine-chilling story about the old house.
- The movie is full of spine-chilling scenes.
spine-tingling
1extremely exciting or scary
Very exciting or very scary in a way that gives you a strong physical feeling.
- The team won in a spine-tingling final minute.
- We listened in silence to her spine-tingling tale.
the spine of something
1main central support part
The most important central part of something that supports the rest.
- These three players are the spine of the team.
- The highway is the spine of the region's transport network.