backfire

Flashy diplomatic overtures to Moscow appeared to be backfiring.

Critics within the commission warn that abandoning nonpartisan redistricting principles could set a dangerous precedent and that Republicans nationwide have more gerrymandering opportunities than Democrats, potentially backfiring if other states follow California’s example.

But, at long last, the result didn’t backfire.

But sometimes the effort backfires: In trying to maximize their seats, a party spreads its voters too thin and fails to make some districts safe enough.

So far, most of the efforts at a cover-up have backfired.