Bend over backwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Bend over backwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone making a great effort to accommodate or help someone else. Example: "She really bent over backwards to ensure that her guests had a wonderful experience at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But I bend over backwards to pretend I'm not.

The New York Times

SOMETIMES you bend over backwards to please, but still get nowhere.

The Economist

'I bend over backwards not to throw it [her wealth] in people's faces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's a monitor that will literally bend over backwards for you.

Forbes

They'll bend over backwards trying to rationalize irrationality.

Huffington Post

The rule does not have to, and should not, bend over backwards to help career colleges.

Huffington Post

"You can't bend over backwards more for real estate interests than [Mayor] Bloomberg did," Beveridge said.

Huffington Post

Don't bend over backwards trying to please or make your miserable Dad happy.

WikiHow

Do not try to bend over backwards trying to "observe them".

WikiHow

"My reporters bend over backwards to be fair," he said.

The New York Times

We must bend over backwards to be balanced.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bend over backwards" when you want to emphasize that someone is making a particularly large or unusual effort to help or please someone. It suggests a willingness to go above and beyond what is normally expected.

Common error

While "bend over backwards" is a vivid idiom, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "go the extra mile" or "make every effort".

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "bend over backwards" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe an action. It indicates the act of making a significant effort, often to please or accommodate someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bend over backwards" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe making an exceptional effort to accommodate or please someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English and spans various contexts, including news, wikis, and business settings. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "go the extra mile" or "make every effort" for variety. The phrase functions as a verb phrase and is generally neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make every effort

General term for trying one's best.

Go the extra mile

Emphasis on exceeding expectations in effort.

Go to great lengths

Highlights the extent of effort involved.

Pull out all the stops

Focuses on using every available resource or method.

Jump through hoops

Implies facing obstacles to please someone.

Move heaven and earth

Suggests immense effort and determination.

Spare no effort

Highlights the absence of limitations in trying.

Try very hard

Simple way to convey intense effort.

Do one's utmost

Focuses on giving the best possible effort.

Strain every nerve

Highlights the intense exertion of effort.

FAQs

How can I use "Bend over backwards" in a sentence?

You can use "Bend over backwards" to describe someone who is making a great effort to help or accommodate someone. For example: "The company had to "bend over backwards" to meet the client's demands."

What does it mean to "Bend over backwards" for someone?

To "Bend over backwards" for someone means to make a significant effort, often going above and beyond what is normally expected, to help or please them.

Is "bending over backwards" grammatically correct?

Yes, "bending over backwards" is grammatically correct. It's simply a different tense of the idiom "Bend over backwards", indicating an ongoing or habitual action.

What are some situations when you shouldn't "Bend over backwards"?

It's generally not advisable to "Bend over backwards" in situations where it compromises your own well-being, values, or professional boundaries. Also, if someone consistently expects you to "bend over backwards" without reciprocating, it's important to reassess the relationship.