Idiom: To bend over backwards

Chelsea · #1 (permalink) Fri Apr 06, 2007 4:13 am *Idiom: To bend over backwards*

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #145 "Short Idioms Exam", question 6

He bent over ......... to please his boss but the manager was never satisfied.

(a) forward
(b) backwards
(c) both ways
(d) sideways

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #145 "Short Idioms Exam", answer 6

He bent over backwards to please his boss but the manager was never satisfied.

Correct answer: (b) backwards
_________________________

Please explain this idiom. I can't get it

Chelsea

Linda · #2 (permalink) Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:46 am *Bend over backwards*

This idiom means: when a person 'bends over backwards' for someone else, that person is trying extremely hard to please or help someone else. You can remember this idiom if you think about the action of bending over backwards. It's not an easy thing to do and repeatedly trying to please or help someone else is not easy either.
_________________
One Way of Learning English Grammar
Learn English with Linda Arlia

Mister Micawber · #3 (permalink) Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:47 am *Idiom: To bend over backwards*

.
'To bend over backwards' = to try very hard, to make a maximum effort. I find it very difficult to bend over backwards, don't you?
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

	ESL Forums \| English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)	All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1