1 A2 neutral
To tilt the upper body forward from the waist, typically to reach something low or to stretch.
"Bend over and touch your toes — it's a good stretch for your back."
inseparable
bend over
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To lean the upper body forward and downward from the waist.
In plain English
To fold the top half of your body forward so you're looking at the floor.
What does "bend over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To position oneself with the upper body angled forward, for example when performing a task at a low surface.
"She bent over the desk for hours, marking exam papers."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bend the body so the upper half tilts over (forward).
Actually means
To fold the top half of your body forward so you're looking at the floor.
Usage tip
Very common and transparent. The phrase 'bend over backwards' is a separate idiom meaning to try very hard to please someone. 'Bend over' on its own is literal and neutral.
Words that pair with "bend over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
touch toes reach pick up stretch look
How to conjugate "bend over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bend over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bends over
he/she/it
Past simple
bended over
yesterday
Past participle
bended over
have + pp
-ing form
bending over
continuous
Hear "bend over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bend over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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