backfired
Went wrong unexpectedly
Backfired is the past tense of backfire.
An engine backfires when fuel ignites in the wrong place, producing a loud bang.
A plan backfires when it produces the opposite of its intended result: The smear campaign backfired spectacularly—it only made her more popular.
The metaphor captures how something meant to propel you forward instead explodes in your face.
Unintended negative consequences
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- repercussionsIndirect results of actions
- unintendedNot done on purpose
- counterproductiveHindering intended outcome
boomerang · rebound · reversal · irony · karma · poetic justice · own goal · self-defeating
Humiliating public failure
- debacleSudden, complete failure
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
botched · flop · bust · dud · fizzle · collapse · implosion · downfall
blowback
Unintended negative consequences
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- repercussionsIndirect results of actions
- unintendedNot done on purpose
counterproductive · boomerang · rebound · reversal · irony · karma · poetic justice · own goal · self-defeating · self-sabotage
fiasco
Humiliating public failure
- debacleSudden, complete failure
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
blunder · botched · flop · bust · dud · fizzle · collapse · implosion · downfall · defeat
malfunction
Failure to operate properly
spark · ignition · combustion · engine · exhaust · cylinder · carburetor · timing · fuel · explosion
- botchedbotched, bungled, messed up, screwed up, fouled up
backfiredsucceeded
Achieved desired outcome
worked · paid off · panned out · came through · delivered
- backfire effectWhen refutation strengthens belief