The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word BACKFIRING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
B
A
C
K
F
I
R
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result BACKFIRING
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "not going as intended" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case not going as intended = backfiring.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BACKFIRING mean?
BACKFIRING verb- (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
- (of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
- To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
- A failure that leads to further misfortune.