Bend over Backward for – Conversation Practice

Amy: I’m so angry at my manager right now.

Rachel: Why? What did she do?

Amy: She just doesn’t appreciate all of the things that I do. I bend over backward for her, but she never encourages me or tells me that I did a good job.

Rachel: That’s tough. Does she ask you to do a lot of unreasonable things?

Amy: I wouldn’t say unreasonable, but she often asks me to do things that are not actually part of my job. For example, last week she asked me to take some clients out for dinner because she didn’t want to do it. I did it without complaining, but she didn’t even say thank you.

Rachel: That seems kind of rude. But I don’t know if there is anything you can do about it. Maybe your boss is just the type of person who can’t express her feelings or appreciation.

Amy: Maybe. But, it still doesn’t make me feel good.

Rachel: Hang in there. In a few more years, you will be the boss.

1. to bend over backward (for/to…): to do everything possible for something or someone

  • Everyone bends over backward to help him. They treat him like a king.

  • Our hotel staff will bend over backward for our guests.

2. to not appreciate: to not be grateful or thankful

  • Children do not appreciate everything that their parents do for them.

  • I always help him, but he doesn’t appreciate it.

3. to take out: to entertain; to go out with

  • As a salesman, I often have to take clients out.

  • The man wanted to take his wife out to a nice restaurant for their anniversary.