Neil: Hello. I'm Neil.

Helen: I'm Helen. And Neil is speaking in that rather strange voice because he's in a strange position.

Neil: That's right. I'm bending over backwards – or trying to.

Helen: Bending over backwards. The problem is that you're not very flexible are you?

Neil: No. Even if I bend forwards I can hardly touch my knees, and certainly not my toes.

Helen: Well, look at me!

Neil: Wow! Helen! I had no idea you could do that! You can bend over backwards all the way to the floor!

Helen: Yes. Anyway, maybe we should explain why we're bending over backwards.

Neil: Oh, yes, of course. That's because today's phrase is:

Helen & Neil: To bend over backwards!

Helen: Listen to these examples and see if you can guess what it means.

• I would bend over backwards for you – just let me know how I can help.
• Julia bent over backwards to make sure everything was right for their visit.

Neil: Did you guess the meaning of 'to bend over backwards'?

Helen: It means to go to great lengths or to put in a lot of effort for someone or something.

Neil: Like, "I would bend over backwards to make you happy", Helen.

Helen: Ahhhh. Thank you Neil. Let's hear some more examples:

• I bent over backwards to get Jim what he wanted, but he never thanked me.
• I'll help you a bit, but don't expect me to bend over backwards.

Neil: Oh, ooof!

Helen: Are you okay?

Neil: I need to sit down, I think I've hurt my back!

Helen: Ah, Neil, you must be careful not to bend over backwards too often!

Neil: Yes.

Helen: Or you should just bend over backwards figuratively, but not literally! That's all for now. Bye!

Neil: Bye!