Quote + と言わんばかりに

[As if about to say; as if saying]

Connection: Quote + と言わんばかりに

Usage: Describes someone whose expression, attitude, or behavior strongly suggests they are about to say something, even though they don't actually say it. More explicit than とばかりに about the implied speech. Very expressive and literary.

Key nuance: 言わんばかり literally means "as if about to say" — the ん is the classical volitional form.

Examples:

彼は「勝手にしろ」と言わんばかりに手を振った。(He waved his hand as if to say "Do whatever you want.")

「ほら見ろ」と言わんばかりに、彼女は成績表を見せた。(As if saying "See, I told you," she showed her report card.)

「早くしろ」と言わんばかりに、時計を指さした。(He pointed at the clock, as if to say "Hurry up.")