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backfire

[bak-fahyuhr] / ˈbækˌfaɪər /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The practice worked in Uncle Sam’s favor, as the Fed lowered its short-term interest rate target by 1.75 percentage points in 2024 and 2025, but it may backfire if the central bank starts hiking.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

But further destabilising the island could backfire on the US, said LeoGrande, who wrote the book Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Holding one of these ETFs for a long period could backfire, although it has worked out well recently.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

But unwed couples often make informal arrangements over custody and child support, which can backfire and land them in court years later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

He was complacent and insecure, daring in the administrative stratagems he employed to bring himself to the attention of his superiors and craven in his concern that his schemes might all backfire.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller




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