backfiring
Plan going wrong
Backfiring is when something produces the opposite of its intended effect.
A plan backfires when it fails in a way that harms the person who made it: Her attempt to make him jealous backfired spectacularly.
The term comes from engines—a backfire is a loud bang caused by fuel igniting at the wrong time, either in the intake or exhaust system.
Self-returning thrown weapon
- counterproductiveHindering intended outcome
- reversalComplete change of direction
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
- reboundReturn after deflection
ironic · ricochet · consequence · karma · unforeseen · miscalculation · misjudgment · failure
Use up entirely
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- sparkplugCombustion ignition component
- cylinderCircular-based solid form
piston · carburetor · detonation · knocking · valve · timing · fuel · octane
boomerang
Self-returning thrown weapon
- counterproductiveHindering intended outcome
- reversalComplete change of direction
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
rebound · ironic · ricochet · consequence · karma · unforeseen · miscalculation · misjudgment · failure · setback
exhaust
Use up entirely
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- sparkplugCombustion ignition component
cylinder · piston · carburetor · detonation · knocking · valve · timing · fuel · octane · smoke
- car problemsflat tire, dead battery, engine light, check engine, brake failure
- setbacksfailing, back to square one, stuck, losing, stumbles
- engine behavioridling, running, stalling, starting, revving
- sputtering soundsspluttering, crackling, popping, fizzling, spattering
backfiringsucceeding
Attaining aims or following
working · paying off · working out · firing on all cylinders · panning out
backfire, misfire, backfired, misfired, misfires, backfires, misfiring, fireback, firebacks