backfire
/ˌbækˈfaɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌbækˈfaɪər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r/ (ame, mw)
backfire — verb
- backfirepresent simple I / you / we / they
- backfireshe / she / it
- backfiredpast simple
- backfiring-ing form
1. When a plan or action backfires, it does not produce the result you hoped for an
When a plan or action backfires, it does not produce the result you hoped for and instead causes harm or trouble, especially for the person who started it — for example, a trick that hurts the person who tried it, or a strategy that makes a situation worse.
The plan to spread lies about his competitor backfired when people found out the truth.
backfired when people
Neha's attempt to make her boyfriend jealous backfired, and he ended their relationship.
The new advertising campaign backfired badly, causing customers to lose trust in the brand.
When the manager tried to cut costs by reducing staff, his decision backfired and sales dropped.
Theo's joke about the homework deadline backfired when the teacher actually moved it forward.
- fail
general term for any unsuccessful result; does not imply the opposite outcome
- misfire
suggests the plan simply did not work rather than producing the opposite result
- rebound (on)
emphasises the harm returning to the person who started it; more formal
- boomerang
less common, informal; strongly suggests the action returns to harm the doer
文法句型
backfire (on + noun/pronoun)
backfire + adverb (badly / spectacularly)
用法筆記
Describes a situation where the result is the opposite of what was intended, not just an unsuccessful outcome. If a plan simply fails without causing harm, use 'fail' instead.
常見錯誤
2. When an engine or vehicle backfires, it makes a sudden loud noise because the fu
When an engine or vehicle backfires, it makes a sudden loud noise because the fuel inside burns at the wrong moment in the operation cycle.
The old truck's engine backfired loudly as Li tried to start it on the cold morning.
engine backfired loudly
Sofia heard the car backfire twice before it finally stopped and the driver got out.
heard the car backfire
The motorcycle backfired with a loud bang, making the pedestrians jump in surprise.
After the repair, the lawnmower backfired every time Henry pulled the starter cord.
文法句型
engine/vehicle + backfire
backfire + adverb (loudly / suddenly)
用法筆記
Describes a specific mechanical problem, not a general loud noise. Frequently occurs with older vehicles, lawnmowers, or poorly tuned engines.
常見錯誤
backfire — noun
1. a sudden loud noise produced when fuel burns at the wrong time inside the cylind
a sudden loud noise produced when fuel burns at the wrong time inside the cylinders of an engine, often heard from a car, truck, or motorcycle that is not running smoothly.
A loud backfire from the bus startled everyone waiting at the bus stop.
A loud backfire from
The mechanic knew from the backfire that the engine needed new spark plugs.
Hassan covered his ears when he heard the sharp backfire of the delivery truck.
The old car gave a loud backfire, and black smoke poured from its exhaust pipe.
文法句型
a + adjective + backfire
give + a + backfire
用法筆記
Refers specifically to the sound made by an engine problem, not any kind of explosion. Compare with verb sense 2, which describes the action itself; this noun sense describes the resulting sound.
常見錯誤
2. a fire set deliberately in a forest or grassland area to stop a larger wildfire
a fire set deliberately in a forest or grassland area to stop a larger wildfire from spreading, by burning away the plants and trees that would otherwise fuel the approaching flames.
The firefighters started a controlled backfire to stop the wildfire from reaching the village.
started a controlled backfire
Kofi set a backfire along the ridge to burn dry grass before the main fire arrived.
set a backfire along
A backfire works well when the wind is blowing away from the area you want to protect.
The crew lit a backfire to burn the dry grass ahead of the fast-moving flames.
- controlled burn
a broader term that includes other types of planned fires, not only for stopping wildfires
文法句型
set + a + backfire
light + a + backfire
controlled + backfire
用法筆記
A technical term used by firefighters and forest managers. The purpose is to remove fuel so the main fire cannot advance. Not to be confused with an accidental or uncontrolled fire.