bend over backward

phrase

variants or lean over backward

: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)

He said he would bend over backward to make the deal.

Examples of bend over backward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bend over backward was in 1904

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Browse Nearby Words

bend one's ear

bend over backward

bends

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bend over backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bend%20over%20backward. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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