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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
明後日の方向
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