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bend over backwards

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. To make a great effort; to take extraordinary care; to go to great lengths.
    idiomatic, informal
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bend over, backwards.

Equivalents

8 more languages

Examples

“They bent over backwards to make⟳ sure everything was just right for the visit⟳.”
“The police were plainly on his side. Lawyers helped, too, with a letter he used to justify⟳ his strategy. And of course the government of the day bent over backwards to ensure nothing would stand⟳ in the way of the media baron's ambitions.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

bend someone's ear bend someone's will bend the brain bend the knee bend the rules bend the truth

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