For the most part European countries have bent over backwards to accommodate the sensibilities of the newcomers.

ECONOMIST: Europe and Islam

On the other hand, Peru and Colombia have bent over backwards to accommodate special interests in the United States.

ECONOMIST: Latin America and the United States

Alex Fornal, from Juwi Renewable Energy, said the company had "bent over backwards" to lessen the visual and environmental impact of the scheme.

BBC: Devon solar farm plans get 400 objections

And yet from the day he announced the start of his review, Mr Robertson has bent over backwards to allay fears that a Labour government would run down Britain's defences.

ECONOMIST: George Robertson punches above his weight

And that in turn is why many people fear that, having bent over backwards to limbo under the Maastricht bars, Italy may yet return to its habitual posture of happy-go-lucky indiscipline.

ECONOMIST: The Berlusconi problem

The one person who deserves no credit for this boom is Barack Obama. in fact, this Administration has bent over backwards to make oil and gas production and exploration as difficult as possible.

FORBES: State Of The Union: Apparently, Hugh Hefner is Responsible for Abstinence