The term 'bend over backward' is a phrase that means to make a great effort to do something. The crossword solutions for this phrase are RECURVE (7 letters), TRY (3 letters), ARCH (4 letters), and STRIVE (6 letters). Recurve means to curve or bend in the opposite direction, while TRY means to attempt or make an effort. ARCH means to form a curved shape, and STRIVE means to make a great effort. All of these words together describe the phrase 'bend over backward, ' which is to make a great effort to do something.