とばかりに (tobakarini)

Meaning & usage

とばかりに attaches to a noun, a plain-form phrase, or a quoted word or sound, and describes someone acting as if to say or express that thing, even without words. It often follows an onomatopoeic shout or a short phrase in quotes, and appears in written, narrative-style Japanese.

Example sentences 4

1. 彼かれは「もう終おわりだ」とばかりに荷物にもつをまとめて席せきを立たった。

   As if to say it was all over, he gathered his things and left his seat.

2. 雷が鳴ると、子供たちは逃げろとばかりに家の中へ駆け込んだ。

   When the thunder crashed, the children dashed inside the house as if to say run.

3. 店員は待たせてすみませんとばかりに深く頭を下げた。

   The clerk bowed deeply, as if to apologize for keeping me waiting.

4. 彼女はこれ以上の話は無駄だとばかりに電話を切った。

   She hung up the phone as if to say that talking further was pointless.