と思いきや (to-omoikiya): Just when one thought; contrary to expectation
～と思いきや (to-omoikiya)
Meaning
Just when one thought; contrary to expectation
Formation and usage
plain clause + と思いきや
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
Introduces a reality sharply different from what was expected, often in narrative.
Examples
会議は中止かと思いきや、予定どおり行われた。
I thought the meeting might be canceled, but it went ahead as planned.
試験は中止かと思いきや、予定どおり行われた。
I thought the exam might be canceled, but it went ahead as planned.
研修は中止かと思いきや、予定どおり行われた。
I thought the training session might be canceled, but it went ahead as planned.
発表会は中止かと思いきや、予定どおり行われた。
I thought the presentation event might be canceled, but it went ahead as planned.
面接は中止かと思いきや、予定どおり行われた。
I thought the interview might be canceled, but it went ahead as planned.
How related patterns differ
まい can express negative intention or conjecture; まいか can convey uncertainty. ものやら wonders about something hard to know. というわけではない rejects an interpretation, も何も rejects a premise, and と思いきや introduces a surprising reversal.