a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown in such a way that it returns to the thrower, traditionally used as a weapon by Indigenous Australians, a plan or action that results in unintended consequences for the originator

Formal and Informal Expressions of boomerang

In different contexts, you can replace 'boomerang' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'repercussion, consequence' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'blowback, payback' is a commonplace synonym.

boomerang: Explore its Definition & Usage

boomerang Definition

1a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown in such a way that it returns to the thrower, traditionally used as a weapon by Indigenous Australians
2a plan or action that results in unintended consequences for the originator

Using boomerang: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "boomerang" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He threw the boomerang and it came back to him.
Example
The new policy was a boomerang that hurt the company's profits.
Example
His words came back to him like a boomerang.

boomerang Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for boomerang

Antonyms for boomerang

Phrases with boomerang

throw a boomerang
to do something that has unintended consequences
Example
If you lie, it will throw a boomerang and come back to you.
boomerang effect
a situation where an attempt to change a behavior or attitude has the opposite effect
Example
The anti-smoking campaign had a boomerang effect, with more people smoking than before.
boomerang generation
young adults who move back in with their parents after living independently for a while
Example
The high cost of living has created a boomerang generation, with many young adults moving back in with their parents.

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Summary: boomerang in Brief

A 'boomerang' [ˈbuːməræŋ] is a curved flat piece of wood that returns to the thrower when thrown, or a plan or action that results in unintended consequences. It can be used in phrases like 'throw a boomerang,' meaning to do something that has unintended consequences, and 'boomerang effect,' referring to a situation where an attempt to change a behavior or attitude has the opposite effect. 'Boomerang generation' refers to young adults who move back in with their parents after living independently for a while.