とばかりに
As if to say … / As though … (expressing an implied attitude or reaction)
This grammar describes someone acting in a way that strongly suggests a certain thought or feeling, even if it is not spoken directly.
Meaning
This grammar describes someone acting in a way that strongly suggests a certain thought or feeling, even if it is not spoken directly.
Formation
Explanation
とばかりに is used when someone behaves in a way that clearly conveys a message or feeling, as if they were saying something.
Core idea:
“Acting as if to say…”
“In a way that clearly implies…”
Important nuance:
The phrase describes non-verbal expression
It conveys:
attitude
emotion
reaction
The meaning is inferred from behavior, not spoken words
It often appears in:
narrative writing
descriptive passages
novels
JLPT N1 reading passages
Tone:
Descriptive
Observational
Often slightly dramatic