se mettre en quatre pour quelqu’un

“Se mettre en quatre pour quelqu’un” is a French expression that translates literally to “to split yourself into four [pieces]”. Here are some English meanings:

  • to bend over backwards for somebody
  • to do everything for somebody
  • to put yourself out for somebody
  • to go out of your way for somebody

Another meaning could to to completely devote yourself or to do everything possible using all your efforts.

Here’s an example sentence:

  • Pierre s’est mis en quatre pour que ses enfants puissent profiter des vacances mais ils étaient ingrats. Pierre bent over backwards so that his kids could enjoy vacation but they were ungrateful.

Here are some synonyms:

  • se décarcasserto bend over backwards
  • se démenerto go out of your way to do something
  • se démancherto make an effort

more French expressions

Sign Up For A FREE Trial French Lesson On Skype And Get Instant Access To My French Pronunciation Crash Course.

Get the French Pronunciation Crash Course!