Yomi
よそうのななめうえ
Rōmaji
yosou no naname ue
Type
slang
Literal Meaning
obliquely above one’s expectation
Meaning
(something is done) in a completely unexpected and idiosyncratic way
Synonym
Antonym
普通, 想定内
Additional Info
It’s often used as 予想の斜め上を行く. You can also use the word 想像 (“imagination”) instead of 予想 (“expectation”). It is a slang word and often used on the internet.
Example
予想の斜め上を行く展開が、その映画大ヒットの理由だ。
The movie became a big hit because of its very unique and completely unexpected storyline.
友達にLINEを送ったら、想像の斜め上を行く返事がきた。
I sent a LINE message to my friend and got a completely unexpected reply
