on the contrary
on the contrary
Opposite to what someone has just said. Our business is not receding. On the contrary, we are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "On the contrary, I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
See also: contrary, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the contrary
It's the opposite, as in Is his shoulder hurting?-On the contrary, it's all better, or We thought you didn't like opera.-On the contrary, I love it. This phrase, at first put as by or for or in the contrary, dates from the late 1300s; on has been used since the mid-1800s.
See also: contrary, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the ˈcontrary
,ˌquite the ˈcontrary
used to emphasize that the opposite of what has been said is true: It’s not that I don’t like him — on the contrary, he seems very pleasant. I don’t find him funny at all. Quite the contrary.See also: contrary, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the contrary
In opposition to what has been stated or what is expected: I'm not sick; on the contrary, I'm in the peak of health.
See also: contrary, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- to the contrary
- (one's) heart goes out to (someone)
- in (one's) prayers
- in prayers
- (one's) heart bleeds for (someone)
- bleed
- a burnt child dreads the fire
- burnt
- Brussels
- joke is on