とばかり（に）

とばかり（に） expresses the speaker’s inference about a situation based on evidence or a strong impression, as if something is the case even though it might not be. It conveys nuance like “it’s as though …,” “as though to show that …,” or “you’d think that …” Often used when describing actions, appearances, or circumstances that seem to indicate a certain condition, sometimes with a hint of surprise, remark, or sarcasm. It commonly follows a quoted phrase or a situation that suggests the inference, and it can be used to contrast with reality or to highlight the speaker’s judgment about what is implied. Typical contexts include describing someone’s behavior, atmosphere, or outcomes that strongly suggest a certain state.