bend over backwards

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌbɛnd ˌoʊvɚ ˈbækwɚdz/ · UK /ˌbend ˌəʊvə ˈbækwədz/

bend over backwards means: To try extremely hard to help someone or make something happen.

verb

MAKE EVERY EFFORTB2

To try extremely hard to help someone or make something happen.

They bent over backwards to help us.
The hotel bends over backwards for its guests.
Why should I bend over backwards to please him?

How to use it: bend over backwards to do something (She bent over backwards to make us feel welcome.); bend over backwards for someone (The staff bend over backwards for their guests.)

Similar words: go to great lengths, make every effort

Common phrases: bend over backwards, bend over backwards today

LEAN BACKB1

To curve your body backward, so your head and shoulders move behind your hips.

Can you bend over backwards?
The gymnast bent over backwards until her hands touched the floor.
Bending over backwards requires a flexible back.

Similar words: arch backward

Common phrases: bend over backwards, bend over backwards slowly

Questions about bend over backwards

What does bend over backwards mean?

To try extremely hard to help someone or make something happen.

What is bend over backwards in other languages?

Türkçe: elinden geleni yapmak · Español: desvivirse · Français: se mettre en quatre · Deutsch: sich alle Mühe geben · Italiano: farsi in quattro · 日本語: 最大限の努力をする

How do you pronounce bend over backwards?

In American English /ˌbɛnd ˌoʊvɚ ˈbækwɚdz/; in British English /ˌbend ˌəʊvə ˈbækwədz/.

How do you use bend over backwards in a sentence?

They bent over backwards to help us. The hotel bends over backwards for its guests.

Learn bend over backwards while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad