Plain form + と思いきや

[Just when I thought; contrary to expectations]

Connection: Plain form + と思いきや

Usage: Expresses that the speaker expected one thing but the actual result was different and surprising. The first clause states the expectation, and the second clause presents the unexpected reality. Often used in storytelling and narrative.

Key nuance: The surprise or contrast is the main point — the expectation was wrong.

Examples:

試験に落ちたと思いきや、ギリギリで合格していた。(I thought I had failed the exam, but it turned out I barely passed.)

もう終わったと思いきや、まだ続きがあった。(Just when I thought it was over, there was still more to come.)

晴れると思いきや、急に雨が降り出した。(I thought it would be sunny, but it suddenly started raining.)