fall over backwards

fall over backward

To expend a lot of energy or effort to do something; to inconvenience oneself. I can't believe how ungrateful you're being, especially since we fell over backward planning this dinner party for you! Please don't fall over backward preparing for my visit—I'm totally prepared to sleep on your floor! John is such a teacher's pet, falling over backward to impress Mrs. Smith.

See also: backward, fall, over

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

fall over backwards (to do something)

 and bend over backwards (to do something); lean over backwards (to do something)

Fig. to do everything possible to please someone. The taxi driver fell over backwards to be helpful. The teacher bent over backwards to help the students understand. You don't have to lean over backwards to get me to help. Just ask.

See also: backward, fall, over

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.