1.
backfire; opposite of what was intended; bad outcome
A result that turns out to be the reverse of what was hoped for or planned. Almost always used in the set phrase 裏目に出る, originally from dice gambling where the wrong face comes up.
Describes a situation where something done with good intentions or a reasonable plan produces the opposite result. Almost always used in the set phrase 裏目に出る (to backfire). Originally a dice term — the "back face" of the die, meaning the opposite of the expected roll.
Common collocations
- 裏目に出る: to backfire, to produce the opposite result
- 裏目に出た: backfired (past tense)
- 何もかも裏目に出る: everything backfires
Etymology
From dice gambling. The 裏目 is the face of the die opposite to what you aimed for. When things go 裏目に出る, the result is the reverse of what was hoped.
Similar words
- 逆効果: counterproductive effect — focuses on the negative result rather than the reversal of intentions
Related Words
Compare:
逆効果 (counterproductive effect)