expect (redirected from expectable)

(just) as I expected

I thought so; I knew it would be this way. Just as I expected. The window was left open and it rained in. As I expected, he left work early again.

Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

Prov. If you do not expect good things to happen, you will not be disappointed when they fail to happen. Ellen: This is going to be the best vacation we've ever had; we're going to have fun every minute of every day. Fred: Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed. Jill: Do you think you'll win the contest? Jane: I like to keep in mind that blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

See also: blessed, disappointed, never, shall, who

expect someone or something for something

to anticipate someone or a group to attend something. I expect you for dinner on Thursday. We expected all of the board of directors for the meeting.

expect something from someone or something 

1. . to anticipate receiving something from someone or a group. I expect a letter from you at least once a week while you are gone. We expect at least a postcard out of you.

2. and expect something (out) of someone or something to demand something from someone or something. I expect more effort from you. Get to work.

3. and expect something (out) of someone or something to anticipate a certain kind of behavior from someone or something. We expected better from you. I'm very disappointed in your behavior. We really expected better behavior of you.

expecting (a child)

to be pregnant. Tommy's mother is expecting a child. Oh, I didn't know she was expecting.

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and Hope for the best but expect the worst.

Prov. You should have a positive attitude, but make sure you are ready for disaster. While my father was in the hospital after his heart attack, we hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. When you study for a major exam, hope for the best but expect the worst. Don't make yourself anxious worrying that it will be too difficult, but review as if you expect the exam to be extremely hard.

See also: and, best, hope, prepare, worst

I guess and I expect; I suppose; I suspect 

1. a phrase that introduces a supposition. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Bob: I guess it's going to rain. Bill: Oh, I don't know. Maybe so, maybe not. Alice: I expect you'll be wanting to leave pretty soon. John: Why? It's early yet.

2. a vague way of answering 'yes'. John: You want some more coffee? Jane: I 'spose. Alice: Ready to go? John: I spect.

See also: guess

I guess (so). and I believe so.; I expect (so).; I suppose (so).; I suspect (so).; I think so.

a vague expression of assent. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Tom: Will it rain today? Bob: I suppose so. Sue: Happy? Bill: I 'spect. Sue: You don't sound happy. Bill: I guess not.

See also: guess

I guess not. and (I) don't think so.; I expect not.; I suppose not.; I suspect not.; I think not.

a vague statement of negation. (More polite or gentle than simply saying no. Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to 'spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to 'spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) Bill: It's almost too late to go to the movie. Shall we try anyway? Mary: I guess not. Tom: Will it rain? Mary: I 'spect not.

See also: guess

when least expected

when one does not expect something. An old car is likely to give you trouble when least expected. My pencil usually breaks when least expected.

See also: least

You can't expect me to believe that. and You don't expect me to believe that.

That is so outrageous that no one could believe it. Bill: My father is running for president. Bob: You can't expect me to believe that. Jane: Everyone in our family has one extra toe. Mary: You don't expect me to believe that!

See also: believe