To get just the opposite of what one intended or expected; to backfire; to be counterproductive.
Era:
Early Modern
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During the late Spring and Autumn period, Zhao Yang, a high-ranking official in the Jin state, was known for his benevolence and unwillingness to harm living creatures. Every New Year, he would release turtledoves presented to him by the common people and generously reward those who brought them.
However, someone pointed out to him that this practice ironically led to more turtledoves being caught and brought to him, resulting in the unnecessary killing of birds and a waste of public resources.
Zhao Yang realized the truth in this statement. Acknowledging that his good intentions were leading to the opposite of his desired outcome, he immediately issued an order to prohibit both the capture and release of turtledoves.