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Yomi
ところがどっこい
Rōmaji
tokoroga dokkoi
Type
idiom
Meaning
but
Synonym
ところが, しかし
Antonym
したがって, それゆえ, だから
Additional Info
It is an exaggerated expression for ところが (“but”). It’s often used humorously when one tells a story that is surprising and contrasts with common sense.
Example
この映画、作り話だと思うでしょ?ところがどっこい、実話なんです
You think this movie is fiction, right? BUT, it’s actually non-fiction