When least expected Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈɫist/ /ɪkˈspɛktəd/, /ɪkˈspɛktɪd
HWEN leest ik-SPEK-tid
wˈɛn/ /lˈiːst/ /ɛkspˈɛktɪd
wen LEEST ek-SPEK-tid
Definition
At a time you do not expect at all; something happens as a surprise.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to describe events that surprise you, whether good or bad. Often found at the start or end of a sentence. More formal alternatives include 'unexpectedly' or 'out of the blue.' Can describe happy surprises or sudden problems.
Spanish: cuando menos lo esperas - cuando menos te lo esperasPortuguese (BR): quando menos se esperaPortuguese (PT): quando menos se esperaChinese (Simplified): 在最意想不到的时候Chinese (Traditional): 在最意想不到的時候Hindi: जब बिल्कुल उम्मीद न होArabic: عندما لا تتوقع ذلك على الإطلاقBengali: সবচেয়ে অপ্রত্যাশিত সময়েRussian: в самый неожиданный моментJapanese: 思いがけない時にVietnamese: lúc không ngờ tớiKorean: 예상치 못한 순간에Turkish: en beklenmedik andaUrdu: جب آپ کو بالکل امید نہ ہوIndonesian: saat paling tidak terduga
Example Sentences
The cat appeared when least expected.
basic
Good things happen when least expected.
basic
Help comes when least expected.
basic
Life can surprise you when least expected.
natural
She found her keys when least expected, under the couch.
natural
Sometimes opportunities come when least expected, so be ready.
natural