Idiom | Meaning | Example |
bend over backwards |
do anything to help, try to please, go the extra mile
|
They'll bend over backwards to find a room for you. They give excellent service.
|
bend the rules |
change the rules to help, look the other way
|
Ed won't accept late reports. He won't bend the rules.
|
bend your ear |
ask you to listen, buttonhole you
|
Carl, can I bend your ear for a minute? I have some news.
|
bend your elbow |
drink beer or liquor, tip a few
|
Your eyes look red and tired. Bend your elbow last night?
|
benefit of the doubt |
(See the benefit of the doubt)
|
|
beside myself |
very upset, very worried, at loose ends
|
She was beside herself with grief when her sister died.
|
beside the point |
off topic, not related, irrelevant
|
The brand of cigarette is beside the point. Smoking is the issue.
|
best foot forward |
(See put your best foot forward)
|
|
best interests at heart |
thinking of a person's needs, in mind
|
When I give low grades, I still have your best interests at heart.
|
best laid plans |
(See the best-laid plans)
|
|