Definition Synonyms
Definition of backfiring - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
consequencehaving the opposite effect of what was intended
- The plan turned out to be backfiring, causing more problems than it solved.
2.
enginesproducing a loud noise due to an explosion
- The backfiring car startled the pedestrians.
Noun
1.
figurativean event where a plan causes harm to its creator
- The new policy was a backfiring for the company.
2.
technologyTECH. an instance of a loud engine or gun malfunctionTECH.
- The car's backfiring startled everyone nearby.
Origin of backfiring
English, back (reverse) + fire (to ignite)
Examples of backfiring in a sentence
The new policy is backfiring on the company. The backfiring motorcycle echoed through the alley. His old truck was known for backfiring unexpectedly. His attempt to embarrass her ended in a backfiring at the party. The aggressive ad campaign proved a backfiring for the candidate. A sudden backfiring from his motorcycle made the officer wave him to the shoulder.
The instructor halted the drill after a backfiring from one rifle on the line.
View all translations of backfiring
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:contre-productif, effet boomerang, ...
- German:entgegengesetzter Effekt, Bumerangeffekt, ...
- Italian:controproducente, boomerang, ...
- Spanish:contraproducente, revés, ...
- Portuguese:contraproducente, tiro pela culatra, ...
- Chinese:适得其反, 反噬, ...
- Japanese:逆効果の, 逆効果, ...
- Arabic:ذو أَثَر عَكْسِيّ, اِنْعِكاسٌ عَكْسِيّ, ...
- Hebrew:מִתְהַפֵּךְ לְרָעָה, בּוּמֶרַנְג, ...
- Russian:обратный по эффекту, провал, ...
- Ukrainian:який має зворотний ефект, обратний удар, ...
- Hindi:उल्टा असर डालने वाला, उल्टा असर, ...
Definition of backfire - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
unintended resulthave an opposite effect than intended
- His plan to surprise her backfired and upset her instead.
2.
mechanicsTECH. produce a loud noise due to engine malfunctionTECH.
- The car backfired loudly as it passed by.
Noun
1.
unintended effectplan that has an unwanted effect
- His scheme was a backfire and caused more problems.
2.
mechanicsTECH. loud noise from an engine explosionTECH.
- The car made a backfire as it started.
3.
firefightingTECH. US fire set to stop a wildfireTECH. US
- Firefighters used a backfire to control the blaze.
Expressions with backfire
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have an unintended negative effect on someone
His plan to surprise her backfired on him.
situation where an attempt to solve a problem makes it worse
The new policy had a backfire effect, increasing the issues it aimed to solve.
Origin of backfire
English, back + fire
Examples of backfire in a sentence
Her attempt to help backfired, causing more confusion. The old truck backfired unexpectedly on the highway. As he started the engine, it backfired with a bang. The marketing campaign turned into a backfire. Their decision to cut costs was a backfire. A sudden backfire startled the pedestrians.
The mechanic diagnosed the cause of the backfire. The team set a backfire to halt the advancing flames. A strategic backfire saved the forest from destruction.
View all translations of backfire
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:avoir l'effet inverse, retour de flamme, ...
- German:fehlschlagen, Rückschlag, ...
- Italian:ritorcersi contro, boomerang, ...
- Spanish:fracasar, fracaso, ...
- Portuguese:sair pela culatra, tiro pela culatra, ...
- Chinese:事与愿违, 反效果, ...
- Japanese:裏目に出る, 裏目, ...
- Arabic:يَنْقَلِب ضِدَّ صاحِبِه, نَتيجَة عَكْسِيَّة, ...
- Hebrew:לַחֲזוֹר כְּבוּמֵרַנְג, בּוּמֵרַנְג, ...
- Russian:иметь обратный эффект, обратный эффект, ...
- Ukrainian:мати зворотний ефект, провал, ...
- Hindi:उल्टा पड़ना, उल्टा असर, ...
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