Synonyms

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.

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

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2021

“I can lean on CONREP. They’ll bend over backwards to make it work.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2021

It is a badge of honour to say you have a relation abroad and we bend over backwards to accommodate their wishes when it comes to making arrangements for funerals and attendant ceremonies.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2020

“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