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Wordabulary

backfire

Pronunciation
Verb A2 Elementary

Quick answer

To produce the opposite result from what was intended, usually a bad one.

"His plan to surprise her backfired when she found out early and got upset."

Synonyms and antonyms

Antonyms

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "His plan to surprise her _____ when she found out early and got upset."

Answer: backfire

In your own words, what does "backfire" mean?

To produce the opposite result from what was intended, usually a bad one.

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