Bend over backwards

Definitions

• To put in a lot of effort or go out of one's way to help or please someone
  To describe a situation where someone is extremely accommodating or helpful, often beyond what is expected or necessary.

• To make extreme sacrifices or compromises
  To convey the idea of going to great lengths to please or satisfy someone, often at one's own expense or detriment.

• To be overly flexible or lenient
  To suggest that someone is too accommodating or yielding, to the point of being easily manipulated or taken advantage of.

Examples of Bend over backwards

• The customer service representative went bend over backwards to resolve my complaint.

  This idiom means that the customer service representative went to great lengths or made extraordinary efforts to address my complaint. It suggests that the person went beyond what was expected or required of them.

• The coach bent over backwards to accommodate the new player's requests.

  This idiom means that the coach made many concessions or accommodations to meet the needs of the new player. It suggests that the coach was very flexible and accommodating.Bend over backwards is a phrasal verb that combines a verb (bend) with a preposition (over) and an adverbial particle (backwards). The idiom is often used to describe someone who goes to great lengths to please others or to solve a problem.

• The teacher bent over backwards to help the struggling student.

  This idiom means that the teacher made many extra efforts to assist the struggling student. It suggests that the teacher was very patient and understanding.

• The salesperson bent over backwards to close the deal.

  This idiom means that the salesperson made many concessions or accommodations to close the deal. It suggests that the salesperson was very persistent and determined.Bend over backwards is a figurative expression that is derived from the literal meaning of bending over backwards, which is to lean backward while bending at the waist. The idiom is used to describe someone who is excessively accommodating or compliant.Bend over backwards is a common idiom in English, and it is used in both spoken and written communication. It is a versatile expression that can be used in a variety of contexts, from customer service to sales to education. The idiom is often used to convey a positive impression of someone's behavior, as it suggests that the person is going above and beyond what is expected.

Conclusion

The idiom "bend over backwards" is commonly used to describe someone who is willing to put in a lot of effort or make great sacrifices in order to help or please someone else. It can also convey the idea of being overly accommodating or flexible, to the point of being taken advantage of.

This phrase can be used in a variety of situations, from describing someone who is going out of their way to do a favor for a friend, to criticizing someone for being too lenient in their actions. It can also be used in a positive or negative context, depending on the intention of the speaker.

Some other related phrases that convey a similar meaning include "bend over forwards," "bend over backwards and jump through hoops," and "bend over backwards trying to please."

Origin of "Bend over backwards"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. Some theories suggest that it may have come from the idea of someone physically bending backwards in order to please someone or achieve a goal.

Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the contortionist act of bending over backwards as part of a performance. This could symbolize the idea of going to great lengths or making extreme sacrifices in order to achieve something.

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "bend over backwards" has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, conveying the idea of extreme effort or sacrifice in order to please someone.