Lean over backwards Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫin/ /ˈoʊvɝ/ /ˈbækwɝdz

LEEN OH-vur BAK-wurdz

UK

lˈiːn/ /ˈəʊvɐ/ /bˈækwədz

leen OH-vuh BAK-wudz

Definition

To make a great effort to help someone or do something, often more than is necessary or expected.

Usage & Nuances

An idiomatic, informal expression. Often used with 'for': 'lean over backwards for someone.' Implies going out of your way or beyond the norm to help. Similar to 'go the extra mile.' Not literal—don’t confuse with physical movement.

• Spanish: esforzarse al máximo - hacer todo lo posible
• Portuguese (BR): fazer o possível - esforçar-se ao máximo
• Portuguese (PT): esforçar-se ao máximo - fazer tudo por alguém
• Chinese (Simplified): 竭尽全力 - 拼命帮忙
• Chinese (Traditional): 竭盡全力 - 拼命幫忙
• Hindi: भरसक कोशिश करना - पूरी कोशिश करना
• Arabic: يبذل كل جهد - يفعل المستحيل
• Bengali: অতিরিক্ত চেষ্টা করা - সবাইকে সাহায্য করতে গিয়ে নিজেদের ক্ষতি করা
• Russian: из кожи вон лезть - очень стараться (ради кого-то)
• Japanese: 一生懸命努力する - 必死に尽くす
• Vietnamese: cố hết sức - làm hơn cả mong đợi
• Korean: 온 힘을 다하다 - 무리해서 도와주다
• Turkish: elinden gelenin fazlasını yapmak - aşırı çabalamak
• Urdu: حد سے زیادہ کوشش کرنا - حد سے بڑھ کر مدد کرنا
• Indonesian: berusaha sekuat tenaga - melakukan lebih dari biasanya

Example Sentences

She will lean over backwards to help her friends.

basic

I leaned over backwards to finish this project on time.

basic

The teacher leans over backwards for her students.

basic

You don’t need to lean over backwards—just do your best.

natural

He’s always leaning over backwards to make everyone happy, but it’s exhausting.

natural

Our team leaned over backwards to win the championship.

natural