bend/lean over backward, to

bend/lean over backward, to

To exert oneself enormously, to go to a great deal of trouble to satisfy or please someone. Originating in the United States about 1920, this expression, with its image of straining to do a backbend, is well on its way to cliché status.

See also: bend, lean, over, to

lean over backward

See bend over backward.

See also: backward, lean, over

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer