bending over backwards

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Meanwhile, they are bending over backwards to avoid seeming extravagant.

The Economist

Why is he bending over backwards to accommodate white people?

The Guardian

Universities are bending over backwards to encourage entrepreneurship.

The Guardian

They are bending over backwards to get us back as an account," Rowe said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

With employers bending over backwards to find good workers, who needed union support?

The Economist

In some respects, Oxbridge appears to be bending over backwards to change its intake.

The Economist

France is not the only European country bending over backwards to please the Chinese.

The Economist

We shouldn't be bending over backwards to create alternatives that will not exclude us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When it comes to the children of particularly rich donors, the bending-over-backwards reaches astonishing levels.

The Economist

The home of enlightened progressive thought and bending-over-backwards cultural deference.

Vice

The Tag The home of enlightened progressive thought and bending-over-backwards cultural deference.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bending over backwards" to illustrate a deliberate and often excessive effort to accommodate someone, especially when implying potential overreach or insincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "bending over backwards" when a simple act of kindness or helpfulness is intended. The phrase often carries a sense of exaggeration or even subservience, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bending over backwards" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verbal phrase that modifies a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use. It describes the action of someone exerting considerable effort to accommodate or please another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "bending over backwards" is a common expression used to describe someone making an exceptional effort to accommodate or please someone else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it carries a connotation of exaggeration or potential overreach. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when emphasizing significant effort, and avoid using it in scenarios involving simple acts of kindness. Alternatives such as "going the extra mile", "making every effort", and "going to great lengths" can be considered depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Going the extra mile

Emphasizes exceeding expectations, implying more effort than strictly necessary.

Making every effort

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the attempt, suggesting no stone is left unturned.

Going to great lengths

Stresses the extensiveness of the actions taken, implying significant measures were involved.

Trying one's best

Focuses on the intention and sincerity of the effort, highlighting personal commitment.

Striving mightily

Suggests a powerful and determined effort, often in the face of challenges.

Pulling out all the stops

Indicates using every available resource or method, often in a decisive manner.

Moving heaven and earth

Emphasizes an almost impossible effort, suggesting extreme measures are being taken.

Leaving no stone unturned

Highlights a thorough and exhaustive search or effort, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Going all out

Suggests exerting maximum effort and energy, holding nothing back.

Making a supreme effort

Highlights the exceptional and significant level of effort being applied.

FAQs

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

To "bend over backwards" means to make a significant effort, possibly excessively so, to please or accommodate someone. It implies going above and beyond what is normally expected.

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

You can use it to describe someone making great efforts to help, such as: "The company is "going the extra mile" to satisfy its customers." Or "She was "making every effort" to ensure the project's success."

What are some alternatives to saying "bending over backwards"?

Alternatives include phrases like "going the extra mile", "making every effort", or "going to great lengths". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to "bend over backwards" for someone?

Not necessarily. While it can indicate generosity, it can also imply being overly eager to please, potentially to the point of being taken advantage of, or even acting insincerely. The context is key.