World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries裏目に出る
Pronunciation / Transliteration: urameni deru
"彼の作戦は裏目に出てしまった。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To have the opposite result of what was intended.
"His plan to trick his colleagues backfired and he ended up looking foolish."
- 1
An undesired, unexpected, and opposite result of a plan or action.
"The strict new policy turned out to be a complete backfire for management."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the combination of the English words 'back' and 'fire', originally referring to an early internal combustion engine misfire or a controlled fire set to halt a wildfire. Over time, it evolved metaphorically in the late 19th and 20th centuries to describe any plan or action that produces the opposite, undesirable result of what was intended.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Backfire"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Backfire" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
se retourner contre quelqu'un
Transliteration: se retourner contre quelqu'un
"Son plan s'est retourné contre lui."
nach hinten losgehen
Transliteration: nach hinten losgehen
"Sein Plan ging nach hinten los."
avere un effetto boomerang
Transliteration: avere un effetto boomerang
"Il suo piano ha avuto un effetto boomerang."
salir el tiro por la culata
Transliteration: salir el tiro por la culata
"Su plan le salió el tiro por la culata."
sair pela culatra
Transliteration: sair pela culatra
"O plano dele acabou saindo pela culatra."
उल्टा पड़ना
Transliteration: ulta padna
"उसकी योजना उसी पर उल्टी पड़ गई।"
适得其反
Transliteration: shì dé qí fǎn
"他的计划最后适得其反。"
역효과를 내다
Transliteration: yeokhyogwareul naeda
"그의 계획은 결국 역효과를 냈다."
裏目に出る
Transliteration: urameni deru
"彼の作戦は裏目に出てしまった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Japanese termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Backfire"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.