How Do You Spell BACKED TO SALT MINES?
Pronunciation: [bˈakt tə sˈɒlt mˈa͡ɪnz] (IPA) 
The phrase "backed to salt mines" is an idiomatic expression that refers to returning to hard work or drudgery after a period of rest or relaxation. The correct spelling of the term is /bækt tu sɔlt maɪnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The pronunciation of the first syllable is the same as in "back," followed by the short "u" sound in "but." The second word, "to," is pronounced as in "too," and "salt mines" is pronounced with a short "a" sound in "cat" and a long "i" sound in "mine."
