bend over backwards

Idioms

Also, lean over backwards. Exert oneself to the fullest extent, as in Dad bent over backwards so as not to embarrass Stasia's new boyfriend. This phrase transfers the gymnastic feat of a backbend to taking a great deal of trouble for someone or something. [c. 1920] Also see under fall all over.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“He had the reputation of being a nice guy, a cool guy who would bend over backwards for his patients and go the extra mile,” Dodge said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2023

It can also be difficult to find foster homes for older youth and youth of color, she said, “so you bend over backwards to find these homes and keep them.”

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2022

But a lot of these guys out here are really nice people, and they’ll bend over backwards to help you.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2022

“He’d bend over backwards to make a good impression on adults and it worked,” Wetmore said.

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2021

“I love my clients, okay? I’ll bend over backwards for them,” Gau said.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023