When something planned to cause harm or create an advantage instead produces the opposite effect, often making the situation worse for the person who started it.
From 'back' and 'fire,' originally referring to a literal explosion that comes out of the back of a gun or engine instead of the front. The term emerged in the late 1800s and was later used metaphorically for any plan that produces unintended, harmful consequences.
Early automobiles were notorious for backfiring—engines would explode with such force that it could break the driver's thumb or arm, which is why old cars had hand-cranks rather than steering wheels for starting. This violent mechanical failure became the perfect metaphor for plans that violently explode in your face in ways you never expected.
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