misfire
Gun doesn't discharge
A misfire is a failure to fire properly—a gun that doesn't discharge, an engine cylinder that doesn't ignite, a rocket that doesn't launch.
Extended to any plan or attempt that fails to achieve its intended effect: The joke misfired badly.
As a verb, to misfire is to fail in this way: The engine kept misfiring.
Foolish, costly mistake
- botchSpoil through incompetence
- flopComplete commercial failure
- dudFailed device or effort
- fizzleFail after promising start
bust · washout · debacle · fumble · bungle · fiasco · gaffe · setback
Yield unintended consequences
- reboundReturn after deflection
- boomerangSelf-returning thrown weapon
- inadvertentDone without intention
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
unexpected · accident · mishap · slip · miscalculation · oversight · glitch · malfunction
Machine producing motion
- cylinderCircular-based solid form
- spark plugElectrical ignition component
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
sputter · stall · backfire · timing · carburetor · piston · motor · idle
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
fizzle · bust · washout · debacle · fumble · bungle · fiasco · gaffe · setback · disappointment
backfire
Yield unintended consequences
- reboundReturn after deflection
- boomerangSelf-returning thrown weapon
- inadvertentDone without intention
unforeseen · unexpected · accident · mishap · slip · miscalculation · oversight · glitch · malfunction · miscarry
engine
Machine producing motion
- cylinderCircular-based solid form
- spark plugElectrical ignition component
- ignitionStarting combustion process
combustion · sputter · stall · backfire · timing · carburetor · piston · motor · idle · knock
gun
Projectile-launching weapon
- pistolCompact one-handed firearm
- rifleLong-barreled shoulder weapon
- firearmProjectile weapon using explosives
cartridge · ammunition · chamber · trigger · discharge · hangfire · squib · round · bullet · revolver
- mis- wordsmisbehave, miscall, miscount, misdeed, misfit
- gun malfunctionsjam, hangfire, squib, stovepipe, cook off
- blundersblunder, blunders, blundered, mistakes, botch
- car troublesflat tire, dead battery, breakdown, overheating, stalling
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, take a shot, under the gun
- failingfail, fails, collapse, flop, bomb