by contraries
In a manner that differs from or is opposite to one's expectations. This situation is especially maddening because it always seems to change by contraries. Just when I think I've got a grasp of these equation, it feels like the rules change by contraries. The bleak forecast for the real estate market changed by contraries once the economy suddenly picked up.
contrary to (something)
In opposition to something. There's no way we can get all these documents scanned in a week, contrary to what the boss thinks. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones. Can you please stop be so condescending? Contrary to what you may think, I'm not an idiot.
contrary to all reason
Despite what definitely should be the case. Describes an occurrence that is unthinkable or unimaginable. And then, contrary to all reason, I found that my bank account was totally depleted. There should have still been thousands of dollars in there! I'm happy about it, but still—the fact that they walked away from that violent car crash without a scratch is simply contrary to all reason. Contrary to all reason, my brand-new car won't start today!
contrary to popular belief
Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular belief, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones. Contrary to popular belief, it's OK to cry. It's better to get that emotional energy out than let it get stuck in your body. Contrary to popular belief, Frankenstein is actually the inventor, not the monster, in Mary Shelley's book.
contrary to popular opinion
Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones. Contrary to popular opinion, it's OK to cry. It's better to get that emotional energy out than let it get stuck in your body. Contrary to popular opinion, Frankenstein is actually the inventor, not the monster, in Mary Shelley's book.
on the contrary
Opposite to what someone has just said. Our business is not receding. On the contrary, we are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "On the contrary, I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
quite the contrary
Opposite to what someone has just said. Our business is not receding—quite the contrary. We are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "Quite the contrary. I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
to the contrary
Opposite to what has just been said. Our business is not receding; to the contrary, we are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "To the contrary, I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
contrary to something
in spite of something that seems to suggest otherwise; regardless of something else. Contrary to what you might think, I am neat and tidy. Contrary to public opinion, my uncle is well and healthy.
to the contrary
and on the contraryas the opposite of what has been stated; contrary to what has been stated. The brown horse didn't beat the black horse. To the contrary, the black one won. Among spiders, the male is not the larger one. On the contrary, the female is larger.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the contrary
It's the opposite, as in Is his shoulder hurting?-On the contrary, it's all better, or We thought you didn't like opera.-On the contrary, I love it. This phrase, at first put as by or for or in the contrary, dates from the late 1300s; on has been used since the mid-1800s.
to the contrary
To the opposite effect, in denial, as in
No matter what they say to the contrary, I am positive that he was present. This idiom was first recorded in 1512. Also see
on the contrary.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
by contraries
Obsolete In opposition to what is expected.
on the contrary
In opposition to what has been stated or what is expected: I'm not sick; on the contrary, I'm in the peak of health.
to the contrary
To the opposite effect from what has been stated or what is expected: Despite what you say to the contrary, this contract is fair.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.