Meaning & usage
ようものなら expresses a strong hypothetical warning that if someone were to dare to do something, a serious bad result would follow. It attaches to the volitional form of an intentional, controllable verb, as in 遅刻しようものなら or 上げようものなら. It cannot be used with non-volitional verbs or inanimate subjects, and the main clause typically describes punishment, anger, or loss.
Example sentences 4
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遅刻しようものなら、上司にクビ切られるのは確実だな。
The boss will surely fire you if you're late.
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会議に遅刻しようものなら、部長に怒られてしまう。
If I were to be late for the meeting, the department head would get angry at me.
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彼女に嘘をつこうものなら、一生許されないだろう。
If I were to lie to her, I probably wouldn't be forgiven for the rest of my life.
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値段を上げようものなら、客がみんな離れてしまう。
If we were to raise the prices, all the customers would drift away.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 1 past exam question.
