boomerang effect
Strategy rebounds spectacularly
The boomerang effect is when an action produces the opposite of its intended result.
A campaign against drug use might make drugs seem more appealing; a parent's strict rules might drive a teenager toward rebellion.
The term draws on the boomerang's flight path—thrown forward, it curves back toward the thrower.
Their attack ads had a boomerang effect, generating sympathy for their opponent.
Unanticipated outcomes of actions
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- counterproductiveHindering intended outcome
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
- repercussionsIndirect results of actions
self-defeating · misfire · recoil · backfired · overshoot · counteraction · retaliation · resistance
Go back again
- comebackRecovery after decline
- snapbackSudden return to position
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
- ricochetAngled deflection off surface
echo · reversal · kickback · reciprocity · regression · cycle · circular · recurring
unintended consequences
Unanticipated outcomes of actions
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- counterproductiveHindering intended outcome
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
repercussions · self-defeating · misfire · recoil · backfired · overshoot · counteraction · retaliation · resistance · antagonism
return
Go back again
- comebackRecovery after decline
- snapbackSudden return to position
- bouncebackRecovery from adversity
ricochet · echo · reversal · kickback · reciprocity · regression · cycle · circular · recurring · repeat
- consequencesconsequence, consequences, result, results, outcome
- bouncing backrebounds, springs back, snaps back, ricochets, echo
- ironic twiststwist of fate, poetic justice, dramatic irony, situational irony, tragic irony
- self-defeatingself-sabotage, backfire, own goal
- cycleslife cycle, cycle, circle of life, cycles, period
- repetitionagain, repeat, repeated, recurring, recurrence
boomerang effectgoal achievement
Fulfilling a set aim
positive reinforcement · virtuous cycle · self-fulfilling prophecy · desired effect · mission accomplished
boomerang effectdirect effect
Result without intermediary
downstream effect · knock-on effect · cascade effect · ripple effect · domino effect
effect, returned, effects, effective, returning, ineffective, boomerang, boomerangs, boomeranged