Question of the Day #76

"Trump Supporters’ #BoycottStarbucks Attempt Backfires Spectacularly"
from the Huffington Post

上記の文で、backfireの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "backfire" mean?

答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

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解答

意味： 英辞郎によると、


1. 〔内燃機関で〕逆火を起こす
2. しっぺ返しを食らう、恨みを買う、思わぬ面倒を招く
3. 期待外れに終わる、裏目に出る

なので、この文例の場合は、３の「裏目に出る」になる。

Answer

According to Merriam Webster:

1. to make or undergo a backfire
2. to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect

Etymology/語源

Online Etymology Dictionary によると、

計画等が裏目にでるという意味で初めて使用されたのは1912年で、火器の逆火の事故の比喩的な使い方。

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary:

Of schemes, plans, etc., "to affect the initiator rather than the intended object" it is attested from 1912, a figurative use from the accidental back-firing of firearms.

Examples

• Their plans backfired.
• ‘overzealous publicity backfired on her’
• His plan backfired when Sue discovered the hidden presents.
• If the charges amount to a negotiating ploy, that could backfire and motivate Democrat supporters to protest.
• But those ads could now backfire, said Dave Sargent, head of automotive research at J.D. Power.