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Region: General | Usage example: They bent over backwards to accommodate our schedule.

Bend over backwards

Meaning

Make a great effort to please someone.

Usage

Usually positive, praising helpfulness.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Gymnastics or contortion imagery showing effort.

Used widely across 20th-century service industries.

Related Idioms

Bent over backwards

Make great effort to please someone.

In over your head

Deal with something beyond your competence.

Turn over a new leaf

Make a fresh start or change behavior for the better.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.