思おもいきや

expression

contrary to expectations; or so we thought, but ...

A conjunction-like expression used at the end of a clause to indicate that what follows is contrary to what was just stated or assumed. Often translated as 'but contrary to expectations' or 'however, it turned out that...'. Typically used in written or formal speech.

• 彼かれは来くると思おもいきや、姿すがたを見みせなかった。

  I thought he would come, but contrary to expectations, he didn't show up.

• 簡かん単たんに勝かてると思おもいきや、意い外がいな苦く戦せんを強しいられた。

  We thought we could win easily, but we were forced into an unexpectedly tough fight.