it backfires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it backfires" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where an action or plan has unintended negative consequences. Example: "His attempt to embarrass her in front of the class backfires when she turns the tables and makes him the center of attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We also like to posit things for discussion to among our community as well").. Sometimes, when the fashion industry embraces its outsiders or critics, it backfires or feels too me-too (remember Vogue Skate Week?), but @diet_prada's takeover made the show experience richer, demonstrating the breadth of Michele's inspirations and pointing out details that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Vice

It backfires.

The New York Times

"Sometimes it backfires though," chips in Konopka.

Independent

Show black women that it backfires.

The New York Times

If I try to plan things, it backfires.

The New York Times

"When candidates use those messages it backfires on them pretty fiercely," he said.

The New York Times

I suspect both parties are a little concerned about supporting such legislation if it backfires.

The New York Times

Even when it backfires, you don't necessarily hate someone for very long".

The New Yorker

"But a lot of time it backfires, because people in their communities know them".

The New York Times

Robson attempts to mix things up with a drop shot, but it backfires.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes it works, sometimes it backfires – mostly it makes barely any difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it backfires" to clearly indicate that an action's result is the opposite of what was intended, adding a sense of irony or misfortune to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it backfires" when the outcome is merely undesirable but not directly opposed to the initial intention. Ensure the result actively undermines the original goal for the phrase to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it backfires" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the outcome of an action or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that an action has resulted in an unintended and negative consequence. The examples show its use across various contexts to denote an outcome opposite to the intended one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it backfires" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations where an action produces an unintended, negative result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, though most commonly found in news and media. When considering alternatives, phrases like "it proves counterproductive" or "it has the opposite effect" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone or emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates that the outcome is not just a failure but actively undermines the initial intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has the opposite effect

Directly states that the action produces a result contrary to what was desired.

it proves counterproductive

Emphasizes the failure to achieve the intended goal, highlighting inefficiency.

it boomerangs

Replaces "backfires" with a more vivid metaphor of a boomerang returning to its source with negative impact.

the plan misfires

Specifically indicates a failure in the execution of a plan.

it has unintended consequences

Focuses on the unexpected and negative outcomes, removing the element of direct opposition.

it blows up in your face

An idiomatic expression indicating a dramatic and personal failure.

it goes wrong

A simpler, more general way of saying that a plan or action fails.

it yields adverse results

A more formal way of saying that something produces negative outcomes.

it turns sour

Suggests a promising situation deteriorated into something unpleasant.

it doesn't work out

A neutral way of saying that something fails to achieve the desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it backfires" in a sentence?

Use "it backfires" to describe a situation where an action or plan produces the opposite of the intended result. For example, "His attempt to intimidate her "it backfires" when she reveals his own secrets".

What's a more formal alternative to "it backfires"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it proves counterproductive" or "it yields adverse results".

Is "it backfires on you" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it backfires on you" is grammatically correct and adds a personal element to the situation, indicating that the negative consequences directly affect someone. For example, "Trying to cheat on the test "it backfires on you" when you get caught".

What is the difference between "it backfires" and "it fails"?

"It fails" simply means something doesn't succeed. "It backfires" implies the action not only fails but also produces a negative or opposite result from what was intended.