backward (redirected from backwardness)

not be backward in coming forward (British & Australian, humorous)

to be confident and always ready to express an opinion. If he doesn't like it, he'll tell you. He's not exactly backward in coming forward.

See also: coming, forward

bend/lean over backwards to do something (British, American & Australian, Australian)

to try very hard to do something, especially to help or please someone else. Banks are bending over backwards to help those in difficulties.

See also: bend, lean, over

know something backwards (British & Australian, American)

if you know a subject or a piece of writing backwards, you know it very well. Ed knows the play backwards - he's seen it eight or nine times. After 30 years in the business she knows it backwards and forwards.

See also: know

without a backward glance

if you leave without a backward glance, you are completely happy to leave and have no sad feelings about it. She left the city she had lived in all her life without a backward glance.

See also: glance, without

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bend over backwards

to try very hard. We want your business and will bend over backwards to keep it.

Usage notes: usually used to describe efforts to help or please someone

fall all over yourself (to do something)

See also: bend, over

know something backwards and forwards

to be extremely well informed about something. After 30 years in the fashion business, she knows it backwards and forwards. He knows New York inside out.

know something like the back of your hand

See also: know

lean over backwards

to try very hard. She and her staff will lean over backwards to see that you are satisfied with their services.

Usage notes: usually used to describe efforts to help or please someone

fall all over yourself (to do something)

See also: lean, over