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backfire

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Idioms, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.
backfire
1. in an internal-combustion engine
a. an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system
b. a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold
2. a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire

backfire [′bak‚fīr]
(civil engineering)
A fire that is started in order to burn against and cut off a spreading fire.
(electronics)
(engineering)
Momentary backward burning of flame into the tip of a torch. Also known as flashback.
(mechanical engineering)
In an internal combustion engine, an improperly timed explosion of the fuel mixture in a cylinder, especially one occurring during the period that the exhaust or intake valve is open and resulting in a loud detonation.
(ordnance)
Rearward escapement of gases or cartridge fragments upon firing a gun.


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But it's a safe bet that noting the recipient's intelligence will not backfire, since even the dolts among us will gratefully blush.
On page 29, Alison Dale explores why these admirable motives can backfire, adding more loneliness to the already lonely burden of MS.
Buddhist teachings predict that actions motivated by greed, hatred and delusion often backfire, creating more problems than they solve.
 
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