んばかりに (n-bakari-ni): As if about to; almost
～んばかりに (n-bakari-ni)
Meaning
As if about to; almost
Formation and usage
V negative stem + んばかりに／の／だ; する → せんばかり
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
An exaggerated description as though an action were about to occur, without asserting it actually did.
Examples
会議の終了後、彼は泣かんばかりに喜んでいた。
After the meeting ended, he was so happy he looked ready to cry.
試験の終了後、彼は泣かんばかりに喜んでいた。
After the exam ended, he was so happy he looked ready to cry.
研修の終了後、彼は泣かんばかりに喜んでいた。
After the training session ended, he was so happy he looked ready to cry.
発表会の終了後、彼は泣かんばかりに喜んでいた。
After the presentation event ended, he was so happy he looked ready to cry.
面接の終了後、彼は泣かんばかりに喜んでいた。
After the interview ended, he was so happy he looked ready to cry.
How related patterns differ
ごとく and かのように compare; んばかりに exaggerates an imminent action. とばかりに infers an unspoken message. ともつかない is hard to classify, ともなく lacks intent or specificity, and 並み matches a standard level.