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backfire |
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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. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Another example of inane, catch-all, backfiring alliances is that of the anti-Israel lobby and United Teachers Los Angeles. It caused this giant domino effect--it all started backfiring on us. It may be more difficult than viewing problems in isolation and tackling them one by one, but treating symptoms instead of causes has a way of backfiring. |
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