bend over backwards Definition

backwards
backward
adverb

1. Towards the back or rear.

Thesaurus: rearward, astern, back, behind; Antonym: forward, onward.
2. With one's back facing the direction of movement.

Example: walk backwards out of the room
3. In reverse order.

Example: counting backwards
4. In or into a worse state.

Example: felt her career going backwards

Idiom: backwards and forwards

First in one direction, and then in the opposite direction.

Idiom: bend over backwards (fall over backwards, lean over backwards)

colloq
To try extremely hard to please or accommodate someone.

Idiom: know something backwards

colloq
To know it thoroughly.

Etymology: 16c: from backward.

---

bend
verb bent, bending

tr & intr
1. To make or become angled or curved.

Thesaurus: twist, shape, curve, crimp, spiral, coil, crinkle, curl, wind, twine; Antonym: straighten, extend.
intr
2. To move or stretch in a curve.

Thesaurus: fold, bow, wilt, buckle; deviate, waver, careen, meander, swerve.
intr
3. To move the top part of the body forward and down towards the ground.

Form: bend down (usually)
Form: bend over
tr & intr
4. To submit or force someone or something to submit.

Example: bent them to his will
Thesaurus: persuade, mould, direct, compel, influence, shape, modify.
5. To aim or direct (one's attention, etc) towards it. See also bent.

Form: bend something towards something (usually)
Form: bend someone towards something

noun

1. A curve or bent part.

Thesaurus: curve, bow, arch, arc, elbow, hook, loop, twist, crook, curvature.
2. The act of curving or bending. See also the bends.

Example: Give that wire a bend

Derivative: bendable
adj

Idiom: bend over backwards

(rit)
To take great trouble or put oneself out (to be helpful, etc).

Idiom: bend the rules

To interpret the rules in one's favour, without actually breaking them.

Idiom: round the bend

colloq
Mad; crazy.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.

---

lean¹
verb leant, leaned, leaning

tr & intr
1. To slope or be placed in a sloping position.

Thesaurus: slant, tilt, bend, slope, tip.
tr & intr
2. To rest or be rested against something for support.

Thesaurus: recline, repose.
intr
3. To have an inclination to, a preference for or tendency towards.

Form: lean towards (usually)

noun

1. An act or condition of leaning.
2. A slope.

Idiom: lean over backwards (bend over backwards)

See under backwards.