Signification
Describing an outcome or situation that was not foreseen.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used to avoid 'Hasad' (the evil eye). By framing a success as 'unexpected,' one subtly downplays their own planning or merit, attributing the result to fate. In Levantine social circles, this phrase is used to describe social 'plot twists,' like a known miser suddenly paying for everyone's dinner. In the Gulf, especially in business, this phrase is used to politely disagree with a consultant's or expert's prediction when the reality on the ground differs. Egyptians use this phrase with a touch of sarcasm in political or sports contexts to highlight the absurdity of a situation.
The Comma Rule
Always place a comma after the phrase if you start a sentence with it. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the surprise.
Don't Overuse It
If every sentence starts with this, you will sound like a dramatic soap opera. Use it once per paragraph at most.
Signification
Describing an outcome or situation that was not foreseen.
The Comma Rule
Always place a comma after the phrase if you start a sentence with it. It helps the reader pause and prepare for the surprise.
Don't Overuse It
If every sentence starts with this, you will sound like a dramatic soap opera. Use it once per paragraph at most.
Sarcasm Alert
In many Arab countries, this phrase is used sarcastically to describe something that was actually very predictable but went wrong.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to show surprise.
سافرت إلى لندن ووجدت الجو مشمساً ________.
The sentence describes a surprise (sunny weather in London), so 'على عكس المتوقع' is the correct logical connector.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best sentence:
The first option uses the correct preposition 'على' and the correct masculine singular form 'المتوقع'.
Complete the dialogue using the phrase.
أحمد: هل كان الفيلم طويلاً؟ خالد: لا، ________، كان الفيلم ساعة واحدة فقط.
Khaled is correcting Ahmed's expectation that the movie might be long, so 'على عكس المتوقع' fits perfectly.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A student who didn't study but got an A.
Success without studying is the definition of an outcome that is 'contrary to expectations'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesسافرت إلى لندن ووجدت الجو مشمساً ________.
The sentence describes a surprise (sunny weather in London), so 'على عكس المتوقع' is the correct logical connector.
Choose the best sentence:
The first option uses the correct preposition 'على' and the correct masculine singular form 'المتوقع'.
أحمد: هل كان الفيلم طويلاً؟ خالد: لا، ________، كان الفيلم ساعة واحدة فقط.
Khaled is correcting Ahmed's expectation that the movie might be long, so 'على عكس المتوقع' fits perfectly.
Situation: A student who didn't study but got an A.
Success without studying is the definition of an outcome that is 'contrary to expectations'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it might feel a bit formal. For friends, you can just say 'عكس ما توقعت' (Opposite what I expected).
It is a passive participle acting as a noun (the expected thing).
'على عكس المتوقع' focuses on the surprise, while 'بالرغم من' (Despite) focuses on the obstacle that was overcome.
Yes! This is the plural form and is very common when talking about 'the expectations' of a group or the public.
No, the phrase 'على عكس المتوقع' is a fixed adverbial block and does not change gender.
Absolutely. It makes you sound professional and articulate when describing challenges you've faced.
You can use 'فجأة' (suddenly) or 'بغتة', but they don't carry the 'contrary to logic' meaning that this phrase does.
The root is W-Q-' (و-ق-ع), which relates to things 'falling' or 'happening'.
It's rare. It usually comes at the beginning or middle to introduce the surprising fact.
The individual words are, but this specific three-word construction is a modern development in the language.
Expressions liées
خلافاً لما سبق
similarContrary to what preceded.
من ناحية أخرى
contrastOn the other hand.
يا للصدفة
specialized formWhat a coincidence!
بالمقابل
similarIn contrast / In return.
