WordGarden.iobackfire
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈækfaɪə/
US
- /ˈbækˌfaɪr/
Meanings
Verb
to have the opposite effect from what was intended
to make a loud explosive noise from an engine or exhaust
Noun
an unintended result that harms the person or plan that caused it
a loud explosive noise caused by improper combustion in an engine or exhaust
Beyond the definition
Imagine carefully setting a trap… only for it to snap shut on you. That's essentially what "backfire" means! It describes when an action intended to produce a positive result instead creates a negative one. Sometimes, trying too hard can actually make things worse. A poorly thought-out plan might backfire spectacularly, leaving you in a mess. You might try to impress someone with a grand gesture, only for it to backfire and embarrass you both. It's often used when discussing plans or attempts that go wrong due to unforeseen consequences that turn against the person who initiated them.
"Backfire" describes a situation where an action or plan has the opposite of its intended effect, leading to negative consequences. Think of it like a ricochet—you aim at one target, but the impact sends something undesirable back toward you.
Originally, "backfire" referred specifically to an explosion in an internal combustion engine that happens through the intake valve instead of during the power stroke—a mechanical failure! Over time, its meaning broadened into a more general metaphor for unintended negative outcomes.
You might say a politician's attempt to discredit their opponent backfired when damaging information about them was revealed. Or perhaps a surprise party you planned with good intentions backfires if the guest of honor hates surprises. It implies that the failure wasn't just random, but stemmed directly from the action itself—it rebounded negatively on the person who initiated it.
"Backfire" isn't usually used for simple mistakes; it suggests a more significant and ironic reversal of fortune. A carefully laid plan can backfire if you haven't considered all the angles. So be careful what you wish for, and always think through your actions—or they might just come back to bite you!
Examples
- 1
Social situation
His joke about her accent backfired, and everyone in the room went quiet.
- 2
Business decision
The new fee backfired on the company, and many customers canceled their accounts.
- Patternbackfire on + person/group
cause problems for the person or group that started it
- 3
Relationship tactics
Trying to make your ex jealous can backfire if they stop talking to you completely.
- 4
Criticism
Harsh criticism sometimes backfires by making people even more defensive.
- Patternbackfire by doing something
have a bad result through that action
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public warning
The government thought the warning would calm people down, but it backfired and caused more panic.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- backfirenounverb
Forms
- backfiredpast tenseverbnoun
- backfirespluralnounverb
- backfiring-ing formverbnoun