backfired

[US]/ˈbækˌfaɪəd/
[UK]/ˈbækˌfaɪrd/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

v.to have an unintended and usually harmful opposite effect; of a motor engine, to explode in reverse; of a gun, to fire backwards

Phrases & Collocations

backfired on him

backfired spectacularly

plan backfired

his attempt backfired

the joke backfired

his words backfired

Example Sentences

the plan to cut costs backfired and led to greater expenses.

his attempt to impress her backfired and made her angry.

the marketing strategy backfired, resulting in a loss of customers.

when the joke backfired, everyone fell silent.

his decision to confront the boss backfired, affecting his promotion.

the new policy backfired, causing more confusion among employees.

her attempt to help backfired, and she ended up making things worse.

the prank backfired and upset the whole group.

his criticism of the project backfired when the team succeeded.

the surprise party backfired when she found out about it early.

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