思おもう壺つぼ

noun

just as one planned; right where one wants; just as expected

Used when a situation develops exactly as someone intended, often with a nuance of the person being trapped or manipulated. Common in the phrase 思う壺にはまる (to fall into someone's trap, to play right into someone's hands).

• 彼かれが怒おこるのは相あい手ての思おもう壺つぼだ。

  Getting angry is exactly what the other person wants.

• 挑ちょう発はつに乗のったら思おもう壺つぼだよ。

  If you take the bait, you'll be playing right into their hands.