Backfires Meaning in English
word · lemma: backfire
ˈbækˌfaɪɝz
BAK-fy-urz
bˈækfaɪəz
BAK-fy-uhz
Definition
If something backfires, it has the opposite result of what was intended, often making the situation worse.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used about plans, actions, or strategies that unintentionally lead to negative consequences. Often appears in 'the plan backfired.' Common in both formal and informal contexts. Not used for literal explosions or real fires.
Spanish: salir mal - volverse en contraPortuguese (BR): sair pela culatra - dar erradoPortuguese (PT): sair pela culatra - correr malChinese (Simplified): 适得其反 - 事与愿违Chinese (Traditional): 適得其反 - 事與願違Hindi: उल्टा असर होनाArabic: ينقلب ضدك - يأتي بنتيجة عكسيةBengali: বুমেরাং হয়ে যায় - উল্টো ফল দেয়Russian: оборачивается против - даёт обратный эффектJapanese: 裏目に出るVietnamese: phản tác dụngKorean: 역효과를 내다Turkish: ters teper - geri teperUrdu: الٹا اثر ہوناIndonesian: berbalik - menjadi bumerang
Example Sentences
His plan to surprise her backfires when she comes home early.
basic
Sometimes strict rules backfire and make people rebel.
basic
The joke backfires and nobody laughs.
basic
Trying to fix things without asking for help usually backfires.
natural
It really backfires when you lie to cover up mistakes.
natural
Every time this policy is enforced, it just backfires on management.
natural