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contrary to form

[kən-ˈtrer-ē tu̇ ˈfȯrm]
adverbial phrase
contrariamente ao costume; contra o habitual
1. In a manner that is unusual or opposite to one's typical behavior or established pattern
Contrary to form, he arrived early to the meeting.
Contrariamente ao costume, ele chegou cedo à reunião.
2. Acting in a way that breaks from convention or expected procedure
Contrary to form, the CEO decided to listen to junior staff suggestions.
Contra o habitual, o CEO decidiu ouvir as sugestões dos funcionários juniores.
NYC Slang
not his/her style; outta character
Synonyms
out of characterunusuallyatypicallyuncharacteristicallycontrary to usual practice
Antonyms
in keeping with formas usualcharacteristicallytypicallyin line with form

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contrariamente ao costume; de forma atípica
Common usage in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
contra o habitual; fora do padrão
Frequent in business and professional discourse
Portugal
contrariamente ao costume; de forma invulgar
Usage in formal written communication

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the mold
swim against the current
buck the trend
out of the ordinary
against the grain
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