ところがどっこい

expression

even so; however; still; nevertheless; on the contrary

Emphatic version of ところが, used to strongly contrast with what was expected. Often has a colloquial, slightly dramatic feel.

See also: ところが

• 彼かれは失しっ敗ぱいすると思おもった。ところがどっこい、見み事ごとに成せい功こうした。

  I thought he would fail. But lo and behold, he succeeded brilliantly.

• もう終おわりかと思おもったら、ところがどっこい、まだまだ続つづくよ。

  I thought it was over, but no, it's still going on.