expression, adverb
out of character; unlike one
Used when someone does something that doesn't match their usual personality or behavior. Often followed by a verb phrase describing the unexpected action.
See also: 柄にも無い (がらにもない)
彼が柄にもなく真面目な顔で話し始めた。
He started talking with a serious face, which was out of character for him.
柄にもなく緊張してしまった。
I got nervous, which is unlike me.
The attributive/adjectival form meaning 'out of character' or 'unlike one', used to modify nouns directly.
From 柄 (がら, 'one's character or nature') + に (particle) + も (even) + なく (adverbial form of ない, 'not'). Literally 'not even in one's character'.