backfire
Translation
to backfire, to have an unintended negative result
Examples
His plan to get a promotion backfired.
His plan to get a promotion backfired.
The old car's engine backfired loudly.
The old car's engine backfired loudly.
Grammar Patterns
(a plan/action) backfires to have an unintended negative result His plan to get a promotion backfired.
(an engine) backfires to undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder The old car's engine backfired loudly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: boomerang, rebound, fail
Etymology
From 'back' + 'fire'. It originates from early firearms that could accidentally 'fire' out the 'back' towards the shooter.
Memory Tips
Imagine a gun firing backwards instead of forwards. This is what happens when a plan 'backfires'—it hurts you instead of helping.