bend over backwards

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

“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

"You have to bend over backwards and jump through all the hoops, but we're still here, we've not lost any business so it's been worth it," he says.

From BBC • 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