Bend over backwards
/ˌbɛnd oʊvər ˈbækwərdz/informal, neutralUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “Bend over backwards” mean?
Bend over backwards means to make an extreme effort to help or please someone.
This phrase means that you do everything possible to help someone. It suggests that you are willing to face discomfort or extra trouble to make another person happy.
It is often used with gratitude to praise great customer service or a kind friend. However, it can also show frustration when someone tries very hard but gets no thanks in return.
When do people say it?
People say this when someone does much more than usual to be helpful.
“The hotel staff bent over backwards to make our stay comfortable.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal, neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
The phrase comes from gymnastics, where bending the body backward requires extreme effort. It became a popular figure of speech in the early twentieth century.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Bend over backwards” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11