I set the deadlines for each task by calculating backwards from the project's end date.

In order to finish the work needed by the project deadline, we counted backwards and made a plan.

They were prepared for the enemy's counterattack.

They launched a counterattack against the enemy.

In this river, the counter current is very strong, so caution is necessary.

The river water is flowing back.

His stories are always filled with highly refined humor, entertaining the listeners.

This chemical reaction is irreversible.

His actions were criticized as brutal.

His actions were thought to be pure brutality.