Translation guide
Expresses surprise, irony, or emphasis that a particular person (often the subject) is the one doing or experiencing something, usually because it is unexpected or contrary to their character.
The speaker is surprised or finds it ironic that this specific person is the one doing something, often because it is out of character or unexpected.
The speaker emphasizes that this person is the least likely to do or experience something, often because of their known traits or position.
Used with a person's name or pronoun, it expresses disbelief that this particular person is involved. Often followed by 思わなかった (didn't think).
まさか彼が辞めるとは思わなかった。
I never thought he, of all people, would quit.
Both express 'of all people/things', but よりによって is more about the speaker's emotional reaction (surprise, frustration), while に限って often carries a sense of ironic timing or contrast with expectations. よりによって can stand alone as an exclamation, while に限って is always attached to a noun.
よりによって彼が！
Of all people, him!
彼に限って遅刻はない。
He, of all people, is never late.
Do not translate 'of all people' literally as 全ての人の中で or similar. It will not convey the intended nuance of surprise or irony.
A common phrase meaning 'of all people/things'. It emphasizes that the choice or occurrence is particularly surprising or unfortunate. It can be used with people or things.
よりによって彼が遅刻するなんて。
Of all people, he's the one who's late.
よりによって今日雨が降るなんて。
Of all days, it had to rain today.
Attached to a noun, it means 'of all people/things, it had to be...' and implies that the situation is especially ironic or unfortunate because of who or what is involved.
彼に限ってそんなことはしない。
He, of all people, would never do such a thing.
急いでいる時に限ってバスが遅れる。
Of all times, the bus is late when I'm in a hurry.
A formal and emphatic expression meaning 'of all people, someone like you/him/her...'. It is used to express strong surprise or disappointment that a person of certain standing or character would do something.
警察官ともあろう者が、そんなことをするとは。
Of all people, a police officer would do such a thing.
As above, this can also be used to emphasize the person.
よりによって君がそんなことを言うのか。
Of all people, you're saying that?