The phrase "were on one back" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /wɜr ɒn wʌn bæk/. The stressed "were" is pronounced with the same vowel sound as "hurt" or "word." "One" is pronounced with the short "u" sound as in "umbrella" and the "back" is pronounced with the "a" sound as in "bat" and the "k" sound at the end. This phrase means that a group of people were supporting or allied with each other.