backfire

• Sustantivo que designa un estallido o explosión hacia atrás en un arma de fuego o en el escape de un motor, un fuego controlado para detener un incendio forestal que se aproxima, o un plan que produce un resultado contrario al deseado o un fracaso.

A noun referring to the backward escape of gases from a gun after firing, a loud noise from an engine's exhaust, a controlled fire set to stop an advancing wildfire, or a plan that produces an undesired result.

1. Gun backfireC1formal

   The backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired.

   Retroceso de un arma de fuego

   • The old rifle produced a loud backfire when it was discharged.
   • A backfire from the pistol startled everyone in the shooting range.
   • The soldier checked the weapon for a possible backfire.

   Sinónimosblowbackflashback

2. Engine backfireB2informaltechnical

   A loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine.

   Retroceso o explosión en el escape

   • The car's engine gave a sudden backfire as it started.
   • Motorcycles often produce a backfire when decelerating.
   • The mechanic diagnosed the backfire as a timing issue.

3. Controlled fireC1formalscientific

   A fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path.

   Quema de contrafuego

   • The firefighters set a backfire to stop the wildfire from spreading.
   • A backfire was used to protect the nearby village.
   • The crew carefully planned the backfire to ensure safety.

4. Unintended consequenceB2informal

   A miscalculation that recoils on its maker, resulting in an undesired effect.

   efecto contrario

   • His plan to embarrass her backfired when she turned the tables.
   • The marketing campaign backfired and caused a public relations disaster.
   • Their attempt to cut costs backfired, leading to higher expenses.

   Sinónimosbacklashblowbackboomerangreboundrecoilrepercussion

• Verbo que se usa para indicar que un plan o acción produce el efecto contrario al esperado, a menudo con un resultado indeseable o perjudicial.

A verb used to indicate that a plan or action has the opposite effect of what was intended, often resulting in an undesirable outcome.

1. Adverse resultB2formal

   To have the opposite effect from what was intended, resulting in failure or harm.

   Resultar contraproducente

   • His plan to embarrass her backfired and made him look foolish.
   • The new policy backfired, causing more problems than it solved.
   • Their attempt to discredit the witness backfired when the evidence was proven false.

   Sinónimosboomerangmiscarrymisfirerebound

   Antónimossatisfysucceedwork

2. Engine noiseB2informaltechnical

   To produce a loud explosive sound in an internal combustion engine due to improper fuel combustion.

   petardeo

   • The old truck backfired loudly as it started up.
   • The car's engine backfired, startling everyone nearby.
   • Motorcycles often backfire when the fuel mixture is too rich.

   Sinónimosbangcoughpop

3. Controlled fireC1formalscientific

   To set a deliberate fire to stop an advancing wildfire by creating a burned area in its path.

   Contrafuego

   • Firefighters backfired to protect the town from the approaching wildfire.
   • The crew backfired along the ridge to create a firebreak.
   • They decided to backfire the area to prevent the forest fire from spreading.

   Sinónimosburn out