backbone

columna vertebral, espinazo

Conjunto de huesos unidos que recorre el centro de la espalda de una persona o animal.

En inglés sencillo: 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?

Sinónimos: spine, spinal column

Expresiones frecuentes: broken backbone, animal backbone, backbone injury

columna vertebral, pilar

Parte más importante que sostiene algo y permite que siga siendo fuerte o funcione bien.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Cómo se usa: the backbone of something (Small farms are the backbone of the local economy.)

Sinónimos: mainstay, foundation, core

Expresiones frecuentes: backbone of something, economic backbone, network backbone, transport backbone

carácter, firmeza, valor

Valor y determinación para defenderte o hacer lo que crees correcto, aunque sea difícil.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Cómo se usa: have the backbone to do something (She had the backbone to challenge the decision.)

Sinónimos: courage, resolve, strength

Antónimos: cowardice

Expresiones frecuentes: show some backbone, have some backbone, lack backbone, have backbone