backward (redirected from backwards)

bend over backwards (to do something) (for someone)

Fig. to work very hard to accomplish something for someone; to go out of one's way (to do something) (for someone). He will bend over backwards to help you. I bent over backwards for you, and you showed no thanks!

See also: bend

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: fall

know something backwards and forwards and know something forwards and backwards

Fig. to know something very well; to know a passage of language so well that one could recite it backwards as well as forwards. Of course I've memorized my speech. I know it backwards and forwards.

See also: and, forwards, know

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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) also fall over backwards to do something (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 know backwards

See also: bend

know something backwards  (British & Australian) also know something backwards and forwards (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 lean over backwards We want your business and will bend over backwards to keep it.

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

Related vocabulary: fall all over yourself (to do something)

See also: bend

know something backwards and forwards also know something inside out

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.

Related vocabulary: know something like the back of your hand

See also: and, forwards, know

lean over backwards

to try very hard bend over backwards 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

Related vocabulary: fall all over yourself (to do something)

See also: lean