Elizabeth Kostova

My publishers are wonderful because they have let me write what I wanted to. They're wise enough to know that, with any author who's not simply writing formulas - who's trying to create something new - pressuring them to do something for market purposes almost always backfires. I can't imagine working under those circumstances, actually.

American Author

Daniel Negreanu

While sophisticated plays can work in poker, if attempted by an inexperienced player, they'll usually backfire. Elaborate bluffs and check-raises are best left to experienced players. It's just like golf: don't try to hit a tricky flop shot with that 25-handicap of yours!

Canadian Celebrity

Nancy Dubuc

Sometimes people get fairly obscure just for the creative license of it, and that can backfire. Iconic stories are iconic for a reason, and there are so many incredible, iconic history stories that have not been told that we don't need to go too deep in the well yet.

American Businesswoman

Jay McInerney

I always hope people will like me, and I'm always afraid they will think I'm a fraud. I try harder than perhaps I should to make people like me, then it backfires. They think I'm a buffoon.

American Writer

Gary Lineker

When you're winning games, everyone thinks everything the manager says and does is fantastic. Then it goes the other way, and those earlier criticisms of players can backfire.

English Footballer

Kenny Smith

There are people who will take shortcuts, and if you decide to take a shortcut, it usually backfires, so I'm proud to say I'm not a shortcut taker.

American Athlete

Katey Sagal

It's sort of the mixed blessing of being on television for so long in one thing; sometimes that backfires, in that you're not able to continue on.

John P. Kotter

If people think the boss is manipulating them to get them to work harder, it backfires.

American Educator

Todd Barry

I used to write things out beforehand. But sometimes it backfires.

American Comedian

Michaela Coel

Use 'backfire' to describe a plan's outcome as the opposite of what was intended.

Unexpected Outcome

Often involves an element of irony or surprise when the result is less favorable than expected.

Irony or Surprise

Emphasizes that actions can have negative consequences, not merely different outcomes.

Negative Consequences

'Backfire' refers to a sudden noise caused by improper functioning in engines or guns.

Unexpected Noise

Use 'backfire' to indicate that something mechanical isn’t working as it should.

Malfunction Sign

Commonly reported in older or classic cars, which might not have modern fuel injection systems.

Older Vehicles

 whereas someone who hasn't been exposed to modern work with its requirement for adaptable, conceptual thought, will see correctly that the central circles are the same size. So here we are in the wicked work world, and there, sometimes hyperspecialization can backfire badly. For example, in research in a dozen countries

Why specializing early...

 but they even became more convinced of their original views. So why do arguments change people’s minds in some cases and backfire in others? Arguments are more convincing when they rest on a good knowledge of the audience, taking into account what the audience believes, who they trust, and what they value.

How can you change...

 was protecting human life. Even as the immediate goal shifted from preventing illness to preparing health systems and ultimately to bolstering the economy. And finally, give power away. Our instincts are to hold even more tightly to control in times of upheaval, but it backfires.

How to lead in a crisis...

 and tundras. Our impact is so profound, most scientists believe humanity has left a permanent mark on Earth’s geological record. So what would happen if suddenly, every human on Earth disappeared? With no one maintaining them, some of our creations backfire immediately.

What would happen if...

 It's a really common tactic that's used worldwide when politicians want to posture as tough on crime but don't actually want to change the status quo. And research shows it backfires all over the world. If you throw a lot of low-level offenders into jails,

A path to security for...

 With increasing obesity around the world, public health campaigns to address overweight and obesity may backfire by reinforcing weight stigma. How is it possible to move beyond these body ideals that may be harmful for esteem or self-care?

Nancy N. Chen: The...

 In fact, even rhythm itself, a repeated pattern of stressed syllables, is a form of repetition. Yet for all its varied uses, too much repetition can backfire. Imagine writing the same sentence on the blackboard twenty times,

The pleasure of poetic...

 smoked my hidden bear claws confirmed that his 3240 won't backfire but before it can be used as currency for trade