Basic Details
Word: Backfire
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To have the opposite effect of what was intended; to cause trouble or problems instead of solving them.
Synonyms: Fail, misfire, boomerang
Antonyms: Succeed, triumph, prosper
Idioms and Phrases
- Backfire on someone: When something intended to help instead causes problems for that person. Example: "His plan to surprise her backfired on him when she found out and got angry."
- Like a bad idea backfiring: Referring to a plan that goes horribly wrong. Example: "Trying to cheat on the test was like a bad idea backfiring; he got caught and failed."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The new advertising campaign was meant to attract more customers, but it backfired and resulted in negative feedback.
Example 2: He thought lying would make things easier, but it only backfired when the truth came out.
Example 3: When she tried to prank her brother, it backfired and he ended up pranking her instead.
Fun Fact
The term "backfire" originally refers to a situation in vehicles, particularly when an engine misfires and causes a loud noise or even flames to come out of the exhaust. It has since been widely used metaphorically in many contexts!
Famous Quote
"Sometimes, the best way to fix a problem is to let it backfire and learn from it." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "backfire" mean?
a) To succeed brilliantly
b) To have the opposite effect of what was intended
c) To walk backwards
d) To fly in the air
Answer: b) To have the opposite effect of what was intended
2. Which of these is a synonym of "backfire"?
a) Admit
b) Misfire
c) Offer
d) Explain
Answer: b) Misfire
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "backfire"?
a) Fail
b) Succeed
c) Misfire
d) Flop
Answer: b) Succeed
4. In which sentence is "backfire" used correctly?
a) The device will backfire if you press the button.
b) The rain backfired on the parade day, and everyone had fun.
c) If you backfire too much, you won't finish your homework.
d) Her kind words backfired, and he was deeply touched.
Answer: a) The device will backfire if you press the button.
5. Which idiom means that a plan intended to help caused problems instead?
a) Backfire on someone
b) Go for broke
c) Kill two birds with one stone
d) Break a leg
Answer: a) Backfire on someone
