THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Bend over backwards
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To try very hard to help or please someone.
Usage note: keep in mind
Bend over backwards means make a very strong effort to help, accommodate or please someone. It often suggests more effort than normally required. Use bent over backwards in the past and follow it with to plus a verb or for plus a person.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The staff bent over backwards to make the guests comfortable.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To try very hard to help or please someone.
Show the answer
Bend over backwards — To try very hard to help or please someone.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Bend over backwards” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To try very hard to help or please someone.
Compare: The staff bent over backwards to make the guests comfortable.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The receptionist bent over backwards to find us a suitable room.
- We have bent over backwards for this project, but the deadline still needs to be realistic.
Check your understanding
Complete the past-tense sentence: 'The staff ___ over backwards to make the visit comfortable.'
Check your answer
Bent. The sentence praises an unusually strong effort to help; it does not describe a physical movement.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where bend over backwards fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.