bent over backwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent 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 time at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We have bent over backwards".

The New York Times

"The city of Houston bent over backwards for these people, and I am glad we did it.

The New York Times

People bent over backwards to help us.

The Guardian - Travel

Local governments have bent over backwards to boost growth.

The Economist

The bank bent over backwards to accommodate us".

The New York Times

"I've bent over backwards to be fair," he said.

The New York Times

"It's like he seems to have bent over backwards.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have bent over backwards to be fair to him".

The New York Times

Big foreign banks bent over backwards to earn the Kremlin's favour.

The Economist

The boy is bent over backwards, upside down — maybe in the midst of a tumble.

The New Yorker

Their main revelation is that he bent over backwards to make a deal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent over backwards" when you want to emphasize the exceptional effort someone made. It conveys a sense of going above and beyond what is normally expected.

Common error

Avoid using "bent over backwards" for minor efforts or routine tasks. This idiom implies a significant and unusual level of dedication; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent over backwards" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase modifier. It amplifies the action of a verb, indicating that the subject has made an exceptional effort. As Ludwig AI states, it's a widely used and understood idiom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "bent over backwards" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who has made an exceptional effort to help or accommodate another. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is widely recognized and utilized in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that this phrase is better suited for neutral to informal registers and should be reserved for situations where the effort truly goes above and beyond. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "made substantial efforts". Always ensure its use accurately reflects the scope of effort being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made every effort

Emphasizes that all possible actions were taken to achieve a goal.

gone to great lengths

Indicates a substantial effort, emphasizing the distance or difficulty involved.

gone the extra mile

Highlights exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

pulled out all the stops

Implies using every possible resource and means available.

moved heaven and earth

Suggests making extraordinary efforts, overcoming significant obstacles.

left no stone unturned

Highlights a thorough and exhaustive approach to solving a problem or achieving a goal.

tried their hardest

Focuses on the level of effort exerted, indicating a strong attempt.

accommodated fully

Focuses on fulfilling needs or requests completely and thoroughly.

strained every nerve

Highlights the intensity and effort involved, suggesting a high level of exertion.

exerted themselves greatly

Formally indicates a large amount of effort expended.

FAQs

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

You can use "bent over backwards" to describe someone making a great effort to help. For example, "The company "went out of its way" to accommodate the client's needs."

What does "bent over backwards" mean?

"Bent over backwards" means someone has made an exceptional effort, often going above and beyond what is normally expected to assist or accommodate someone.

What can I say instead of "bent over backwards"?

Alternatives to "bent over backwards" include "gone to great lengths", "made every effort", or "gone the extra mile". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bent over backwards" in formal writing?

While "bent over backwards" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "made substantial efforts" or "went to considerable lengths" to maintain a more professional tone.