bend over backward

bend over backward
or[lean over backward] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing; also, make a great effort; try very hard. * /Instead of punishing the boys for breaking a new rule, the principal bent over backward to explain why the rule was important./ * /Mary was afraid the girls at her new school would be stuck up, but they leaned over backward to make her feel at home./ Compare: GO OUT OF ONE'S WAY.

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • bend\ over\ backward — • bend over backward • lean over backward v. phr. informal To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing;… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • bend over backward — phrasal : to make extreme efforts at concession * * * see backward * * * bend over backward (or lean over backward also fall over backward) : to make a great effort to help someone or to reach agreement with someone The salesman said he would… …   Useful english dictionary

  • bend over backward — or[lean over backward] {v. phr.}, {informal} To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing; also, make a… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • bend over backward — I. phrasal or lean over backward to make extreme efforts (as at concession) II. phrasal or bend over backwards to make extreme efforts …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • bend over backward to do something — bend (or lean) over backward to do something informal make every effort, esp. to be fair or helpful Jensen bent over backward to be fair …   Useful english dictionary

  • bend over backwards — phrasal see bend over backward II …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • lean\ over\ backward — • bend over backward • lean over backward v. phr. informal To try so hard to avoid a mistake that you make the opposite mistake instead; do the opposite of something that you know you should not do; do too much to avoid doing the wrong thing;… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • lean over backward — See: BEND OVER BACKWARD …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • lean over backward — See: BEND OVER BACKWARD …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • lean over backward — phrasal see bend over backward I …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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