lean over backward

adverb

1. toward the back or rear; behind
2. with the back or rear foremost
3. in reverse: to spell a word backward
4. in a way contrary to the normal or usual way
5. toward earlier times; into the past
6. from a better to a worse state

adjective

1. turned or directed toward the rear or in the opposite way
2. hesitant, bashful, or shy, as in meeting people
3. late in developing or growing; retarded; slow