terminology - Expression for "intend to help but instead making things worse"


I want to say "someone (or something) intends to help, but instead it makes things worse". Is there any succinct expression or phrase for this?


Thanks.



Answer



You could say that his efforts backfired



(of a plan) to have the opposite result from the one you intended: Some hotel owners worry that the idea of attracting more visitors may backfire and make the place less attractive.



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