backfire in French
backfire in French is avoir l'effet inverse, contrecoup subi, retour de flamme — backfire means of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop.
backfire in French
avoir l'effet inverse
(idiomatic, transitive) To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
contrecoup subi
(idiomatic, transitive) To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
retour de flamme
(idiomatic, transitive) To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
se retourner contre
(idiomatic, transitive) To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
What does "backfire" mean?
-
verb Of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop.
"The old truck backfired loudly at every red light."
-
verb To produce the opposite result to the one intended, making the situation worse.
"His plan to surprise her backfired when she found the receipt first."
Vocabulary Flow
Learn more English words in French.
Vocabulary Flow serves English words with the French meaning, one at a time — pronunciation and an example each time. Scroll it either direction.
Learn English in French
backfire in a sentence
- The old truck backfired loudly at every red light.
- His plan to surprise her backfired when she found the receipt first.
Similar words in French
Common French translations
Frequently asked questions
What is "backfire" in French?
"backfire" in French is avoir l'effet inverse, contrecoup subi, retour de flamme. backfire means: Of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop.
How do you use "backfire" in a sentence?
Example: "The old truck backfired loudly at every red light." In French, "backfire" is avoir l'effet inverse, contrecoup subi, retour de flamme.
Are there other ways to say "backfire" in French?
Yes — French has 4 translations listed for "backfire": avoir l'effet inverse, contrecoup subi, retour de flamme, se retourner contre.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
