expression, ichidan verb
backfire; have the opposite effect
Used when an action or plan produces an unintended negative result, often the reverse of what was hoped.
彼の親切なアドバイスが裏目に出て、彼女を怒らせてしまった。
His well-meaning advice backfired and ended up making her angry.
The price cut backfired; people questioned the quality and sales dropped.