Usage of " backlash" and " drawback''
The following sentence is an English practice from my textbook.

The only ( ) to the proposal for a new gymnasium is that it would be expensive to implement.

1. withdrwal
2. backlash
3. drawback
4. downtrend

The book says the answer is 3. drawback.
However, I think 2. backlash also makes sense too.

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, backlash means a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.

Could someone give me some advice?

Takuya

Question

Usage of " backlash" and " drawback''
The following sentence is an English practice from my textbook.

The only (           ) to the proposal for a new gymnasium is that it would be expensive to implement.

1. withdrwal   
2. backlash
3. drawback
4. downtrend

The book says the answer is 3. drawback.
However, I think 2. backlash also makes sense too.

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, backlash means a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.

Could someone give me some advice?

Takuya

Answer

As written, you can't use "backlash". But it could be used in " there was a backlash to the proposal, because the new gym would be so expensive". "Backlash " means a strong negative reaction, but it doesn't need to be as strong as a riot.

Answer

Backlash is the strong negative reaction (such as a riot) which happens after some action has been performed.

A simple proposal for a gym is not an action already performance and in any event would not elicit a backlash even from people who oppose it.  It is certainly not a political or social development.

It  is obvious that "backlash" would not fit at all.  It is nowhere near.

Answer

Another meaning of backlash:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backlash_(engineering)

drawback = disadvantage,con ..

Answers · 5

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