Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

First there was the term "X" used literally; then there was the term "X" used figuratively; then there was the term "literally X." Example:

1. I bent over backward to pick up the pail.
2. I bent over backward to help the homeless man.
3. I literally bent over backward to pick up the pail.

Ain't language fun?