backfire

为了记忆单词“backfire”，可以采用以下方法：

1. 组合想象法：想象一个“back”是反方向箭头的“→”，箭头指向相反的“fire”（火）。这样，“backfire”就形象地表示了一种情况或行为没有得到预期结果，反而产生了负面效果，就像火势被反向点燃一样。

2. 关联法：将“backfire”联想到“back”+“fire”（背对着火），就像背后发生了火灾，形容事情出乎意料地向反面发展。

3. 英汉对比法：中文里“背”有失败、不利的意思，“fire”则是火灾或引申为火灾般的影响。合在一起，“backfire”就可以理解为“背后起火”，即“失败”或“事与愿违”。

backfire (n.)

1839, American English, originally "a fire deliberately lit ahead of an advancing prairie fire to deprive it of fuel," from back (adj.) + fire (n.). As a verb in this sense, recorded from 1886. The meaning "premature ignition in an internal-combustion engine" is first recorded 1897. Of schemes, plans, etc., "to affect the initiator rather than the intended object" it is attested from 1912, a figurative use from the accidental back-firing of firearms.

1. The President's tactics could backfire.

总统的策略可能会适得其反。

2. A victory for Mr Bush and the internationalists could easily backfire.

胜利,对于布什总统和国际主义者来说,极容易事与愿违.

3. America's public call for Turkish entry into the European Union may backfire.

美国公开要求批准土耳其加入欧盟,这也许适得其反.

4. Don't criticize the students or it may backfire on you.

不要总是批评学生,否则,物极必反.

5. He warned this might backfire and invite sympathy for the party.

他警告这样做可能会带来反效果,为该党带来同情票.