defy expectations
/dɪˈfaɪ ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz/
Meaning
This phrase means to do or be something completely different from what people anticipated, usually in a highly positive or surprising way. In entertainment, it is often used when a low-budget film becomes a massive hit or when an artist successfully shifts to a completely new genre. It implies overcoming skepticism or doubts.
Examples
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The indie film defied expectations by grossing over one hundred million dollars.
The indie film defied expectations by grossing over one hundred million dollars.
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Critics doubted the casting choice, but her performance defied all expectations.
Critics doubted the casting choice, but her performance defied all expectations.
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The season finale managed to defy expectations with a brilliant plot twist.
The season finale managed to defy expectations with a brilliant plot twist.
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As a sequel, it defied expectations by being significantly better than the original.
As a sequel, it defied expectations by being significantly better than the original.
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The band's new acoustic album defied expectations and won over their rock fan base.
The band's new acoustic album defied expectations and won over their rock fan base.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The young actor defied against expectations with his mature performance.
✓ The young actor defied expectations with his performance.
'Defy' is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'against'. It directly takes 'expectations' as its object.
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✗ The show defied the expectations of what a drama could do.
✓ The show defied expectations of what a drama could do.
It is more natural to omit the article 'the' when using this set phrase, though 'defied all expectations' or 'defied our expectations' is also common.
Related Expressions
Practice
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No one thought the animated series would succeed, but it ___.
💡 Use the past tense.
Show answer
defied expectations
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To truly stand out, a modern horror movie must find ways to ___.
💡 Use the base form.
Show answer
defy expectations