bend (redirected from bends ear)

bend someone's ear (informal)

to talk to someone for a long time, usually about something boring. Don't let her bend your ear about how overworked she is. (often + about)

See also: ear

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: backward, lean, over

bend/stretch the rules

to do something or to allow someone to do something which is not usually allowed. We don't usually let students take books away, but I'm willing to bend the rules on this occasion.

See also: rule, stretch

drive/send someone round the bend (informal)

to make someone very angry, especially by continuing to do something annoying. You're driving me round the bend with your constant complaining.

See also: drive, round, send

round the bend (informal)

crazy. Tell me frankly: do you think my father's round the bend? I was sure I'd locked that door. I must be going round the bend.

See also: round

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bend someone's ear

to talk to someone for a long time. She spent the day at a conference bending the ears of some high school teachers.

See also: ear

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: backward, over

bend the rules

to allow something to be done that is not usually allowed. We don't usually let students take books home, but I'll bend the rules this time.

See also: rule