backfire

[US]/ˌbækˈfaɪə(r)/
[UK]/ˌbækˈfaɪər/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vi. to have the opposite effect of what was intended; to result in an unexpected outcome
n. a situation where something has the opposite effect of what was intended; an unexpected consequence

Example Sentences

over-zealous publicity backfired on her.

His scheme backfired (on him) and he lost money.

The surprise I had planned backfired on me.

Her schemes backfired on herself,and she lost her boyfriend forever.

His plan backfired on him, and he lost all his money.

His scheme to win the girl backfired and she went to another guy.

Real-world Examples

I definitely did not see that one backfiring.

Source: Friends Season 6

But it could also majorly backfire for them.

Source: This Month's Science 60 Seconds - Scientific American

But believe me, it's already backfired.

Source: Billions Season 1

Using shame and guilt to motivate yourself will only backfire anyway!

Source: 2023 New Year Special Edition

You warn him that this could backfire. But he doesn't care.

Source: VOA Special October 2019 Collection

And he fears that the U.S. talk of regime change could backfire.

Source: NPR News Summary May 2018 Collection

The tariffs on steel to help the industry, for example, could actually backfire.

Source: VOA Standard English_Americas

Much of Pakistan was left without power as an energy-saving measure by the government backfired.

Source: AP Listening January 2023 Collection

That car backfiring, it sounded like gunshots.

Source: Modern Family - Season 07

And it totally backfired on George Bush.

Source: VOA Standard English_Americas

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