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backfire
[bak-fahyuhr]
verb (used without object)
(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
to bring a result opposite to that which was planned or expected.
The plot backfired.
to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.
backfire
/ ˌbækˈfaɪə /
verb
(of an internal-combustion engine) to emit a loud noise as a result of an explosion in the inlet manifold or exhaust system
(of an endeavour, plan, etc) to have an unwanted effect on its perpetrator
his plans backfired on him
to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area
noun
an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system
a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold
a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire
Word History and Origins
Example Sentences
A stunned England woke Sunday to savage criticism after their meek capitulation in the first Ashes Test, branded "brainless" and "damaged" by former greats after their cavalier approach backfired.
However, the attempt to strengthen Sir Keir's position appeared to backfire as it brought talk of threats to his leadership into the open and sparked further criticism of the PM.
To make matters worse for the GOP, their structural redistricting advantage — especially without Texas, where the push kicked off — is shrinking and could backfire entirely without help from the Supreme Court.
“Yes. We worried that any attempt at rescue could backfire. And we dared not provoke Edward Ashton to action, for we feared what his action would be.”
That backfired and spurred more people to protest.
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