when least expected

Idioms  

1. When something is not awaited, as in My brother always calls when least expected, or You might know that the furnace would break down when least expected—we just had it overhauled.

---

Example Sentences

Part of the event’s lore — as with all rivalry games — is when the more downtrodden of the two teams rises up when least expected to wreak havoc on the other’s sky-high aspirations.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2022

Drawing the viewer's eyes away to one thing, while setting up big surprises to pop out when least expected.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2022

Light, the archbishop said, had "shone brightly in dark times and hope has sprung up when least expected".

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2021

Gunnysack-wearing ghouls hidden into the corn will also jump out when least expected.

From Washington Times • Oct. 17, 2019

In all seasons, but particularly at the epoch of the Syzygies, at the moment when least expected, the sea sometimes becomes singularly tranquil.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor