PhrasesHub

bent over backwards

    Definitions

      • make a great effort
        To go out of one's way to help or accommodate someone, often to an excessive or extreme degree

      • be very flexible
        To be willing to compromise or make concessions in order to accommodate someone else's needs or wishes

    Examples of bent over backwards

    • The customer service representative went bent over backwards to help me resolve my issue with the product.

      This idiom means that the customer service representative went to great lengths or extremes to assist the customer. It implies that the representative made considerable effort or sacrifice to provide exceptional service.

    • In order to impress the client, the marketing team bent over backwards with creative ideas and solutions.

      This idiom highlights the team's dedication to exceeding the client's expectations by putting in extra effort, creativity, and innovation to provide solutions that go beyond the standard offerings.

    • The class teacher bent over backwards to make the lessons interesting and engaging for the students.

      This idiom illustrates the teacher's effort to adapt and modify the curriculum to suit the students' learning styles, making the classes fun and interactive, thus ensuring better engagement and retention of knowledge by the students.

    • The coach went bent over backwards to prepare the team for the championship, putting in long hours of practice and training.

      This idiom exemplifies the coach's devotion, perseverance, and commitment to nurturing the team's skills and abilities to excel in the championship. It signifies the coach's exceptional efforts, time, and energy to ensure the team's success in the competition.

    • Rachel bent over backwards to accommodate her friend's busy schedule. She would call at any time of the day or night just to fit into his plan.

      This idiom means that Rachel went out of her way and made extreme efforts to help her friend despite the inconvenience it caused her. She was flexible and accommodating, bending or twisting her own schedule to satisfy her friend's needs.

    • The new boss at the office bent over backwards to impress his staff. He would listen patiently to their feedback and suggestions, making sure that everyone's opinion was valued.

      This idiom can also apply to situations where someone is trying to impress others. The boss, in this case, was making an extraordinary effort to please his employees, going beyond the normal bounds of his duties to earn their respect and approval.

    • Despite the heavy rain, the event organizers bent over backwards to ensure the success of the show. They set up tents and canopies to shield the performers and the audience from the rain.

      This idiom can refer to situations where someone is making extra efforts to overcome a difficult or challenging circumstance. The event organizers, in this case, were going out of their way to ensure that the competition or show went on despite the unfavorable weather conditions.

    • The college admissions officer bent over backwards to help the student navigate the complex application process. He provided extensive feedback and guidance, answering any questions the student might have had.

      This idiom can signify situations where someone is providing a high level of assistance or service. The admissions officer, in this case, was making an extraordinary effort to help the student, going beyond the usual call of duty to help the student succeed.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bent over backwards" is used to describe making a significant effort or being extremely flexible in order to help or accommodate someone. It can be used to highlight the extent to which someone is going out of their way or making concessions for another person's benefit.

    This phrase is often used in situations where someone is making a great effort to assist or please someone else, even to the point of sacrificing their own comfort or well-being. It can also be used to describe a willingness to be very flexible or accommodating in order to meet someone else's needs or desires.

    Overall, the idiom "bent over backwards" emphasizes the idea of going to great lengths or being extremely accommodating for the sake of someone else.

    Origin of "bent over backwards"

    The origin of the idiom "bent over backwards" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The phrase likely comes from the physical act of bending over backwards, which requires a great deal of effort and flexibility.

    The idiom has since been used figuratively to describe going to great lengths or being extremely accommodating. It conveys the idea of making a significant effort or being very flexible in order to help or accommodate someone else. The origin of the idiom highlights the physical and metaphorical meaning of going to extreme lengths to assist or please someone.