{"id":108,"date":"2021-10-12T19:09:42","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T19:09:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=108"},"modified":"2021-10-12T19:15:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T19:15:21","slug":"bending-over-backwards-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/bending-over-backwards-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Bending Over Backwards - Meaning, Usage and Origin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bending over backwards for someone or something is quite impossible unless you're a seasoned gymnast or a yoga practitioner. So<\/em>, what does this idiom mean<\/strong>? When should you use it in a sentence<\/strong>, and when is it appropriate to use this phrase<\/u>?<\/p>\n

There is some evidence of the use of the phrase dating back as far as 920 CE<\/strong>. Bending over backwards for someone or something is an expression referring to expending effort to ensure a positive outcome with a task.<\/p>\n

Let's unpack everything you need to know about using \"bend over backwards\" in a conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBending Over Backwards\u201d \u2013 The Meaning<\/h2>\n

If someone says they will bend over backwards for you, they're saying that they will do everything in their power and means to get you the required result you need<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The phrase could also mean that they will work hard to please another person<\/em>, like their boss. They bend over backwards for someone, or something is usually used in a conversation to build the other party's confidence in you.<\/p>\n

By telling someone you will bend over backwards for them, you're committing to achieving the outcome they require for a task<\/strong>. However, you're not just stating you will get something done; you're suggesting that you will ensure you do it to the best of your abilities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

If you're wondering how and when to use \"bending over backwards<\/em>\" in a conversation, here are some examples.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Governments are bending over backwards<\/u> to ensure the economy grows.<\/li>\n
  • I love my job, and I'll bend over backwards<\/u> to ensure the success of the company.<\/li>\n
  • We operate in a tough industry, and we need to be bending over backwards<\/u> for customers to stay ahead of the competition.<\/li>\n
  • Our hosts are bending over backwards<\/u> to ensure we have a pleasant stay.<\/li>\n
  • I'll be bending over backwards <\/u>to make her my partner.<\/li>\n
  • I'll make sure I\u2019m bending over backwards<\/u> for the client if that means getting the contract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The Origin of \u201cBending Over Backwards\u201d<\/h2>\n

    This idiom has its roots in gymnastics, where it described the athletic movement of bending the spine to accomplish a tremendous physical feat.<\/p>\n

    Modern gymnastics has its origins in Germany in the early 1800s<\/a>. However, the use of gymnastics as entertainment and sport traces back to the Byzantine Empire in Europe.<\/p>\n

    Documents show the early use of this idiom as far back as 920 CE. It's a reference to gymnasts explaining the art of bending over backwards in motion.<\/p>\n