Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Backfire'

English Word: Backfire

Key Russian Translations:

• обратный эффект [ɐˈbratnɨj ɛˈfɛkt] - [Formal, Noun Phrase]
• дать осечку [datʲ ɐˈsʲetɕkʊ] - [Informal, Verb Phrase, Used metaphorically]
• обратиться против [ɐbrɐˈtʲitʲsʲɐ ˈprotʲɪf] - [Neutral, Verb Phrase]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts, not everyday speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "обратный эффект"; C1 (Advanced) for idiomatic phrases like "дать осечку"

Pronunciation (Russian):

обратный эффект: [ɐˈbratnɨj ɛˈfɛkt]

Note on обратный эффект: Stress falls on the second syllable of "обратный" and the first syllable of "эффект".

дать осечку: [datʲ ɐˈsʲetɕkʊ]

Note on дать осечку: The stress is on "осечку", and the soft "т" in "дать" may be challenging for non-native speakers.

обратиться против: [ɐbrɐˈtʲitʲsʲɐ ˈprotʲɪf]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To produce an unintended negative result (General/Metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обратный эффект - Used in formal or written contexts to describe a plan or action resulting in the opposite of the intended effect.
• дать осечку - Informal, often used metaphorically to describe a failed attempt or misfire of a plan.

Usage Examples:

• Его стратегия вызвала обратный эффект, и ситуация только ухудшилась.

  His strategy backfired, and the situation only got worse.

• Попытка обмануть всех дала осечку, и он потерял доверие.

  His attempt to deceive everyone backfired, and he lost trust.

• Этот план может иметь обратный эффект, если мы не учтем все риски.

  This plan could backfire if we don’t consider all the risks.

2. To turn against someone (Relational/Oppositional)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обратиться против - Used to describe a situation or action turning against someone, often in a personal or social context.

Usage Examples:

• Его собственные слова обратились против него на суде.

  His own words backfired against him in court.

• Она не ожидала, что её действия обратятся против неё.

  She didn’t expect her actions to backfire on her.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обратный эффект (Noun Phrase): The adjective "обратный" declines according to gender, number, and case, while "эффект" is a masculine noun that also declines by case and number.

дать осечку (Verb Phrase): The verb "дать" is an irregular verb conjugated by person and tense. "Осечка" is a feminine noun that declines by case.

обратиться против (Verb Phrase): "Обратиться" is a reflexive verb conjugated by person and tense, while "против" is a preposition requiring the genitive case for the following noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "обратный эффект":

• негативный результат
• провал

Note: "негативный результат" is more formal, while "провал" is often used for complete failure.

Antonyms for "обратный эффект":

• успех
• положительный результат

Related Phrases:

• дать обратный эффект - To produce a backfire or opposite effect.
• осечка в планах - A misfire or setback in plans.
• обратиться против самого себя - To backfire on oneself.

Usage Notes:

• "обратный эффект" is the most direct and formal translation for "backfire" when referring to unintended negative consequences of a plan or action. It is widely used in written and spoken Russian.
• "дать осечку" carries a more informal, metaphorical tone and often implies a sudden or unexpected failure. It originally referred to a firearm misfiring but is now used broadly.
• "обратиться против" is specifically used when something turns against a person or entity, often in personal or adversarial contexts. It requires a genitive case noun after "против".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "обратный эффект" in personal contexts where "обратиться против" is more appropriate. For example, saying "Его слова имели обратный эффект" is incorrect when referring to words turning against someone.
  Correct: "Его слова обратились против него."
• Error: Misusing "дать осечку" in formal writing. It’s better suited for conversational or metaphorical contexts.
  Correct: Use "обратный эффект" in formal texts.

Cultural Notes:

The phrase "дать осечку" has historical roots in Russian military terminology, referring to a firearm misfiring. Its metaphorical use today reflects a cultural tendency to draw on vivid imagery from everyday or historical experiences to describe failure or setback.

Related Concepts:

• провал
• неудача
• ошибка