when least expected

when least expected

At the point in time at which one is least prepared or has not been anticipating (something). Things seemed to be going well, and then, when least expected, my boss said that I was being fired. We will organize our forces and strike the enemy when least expected.
See also: expect, least
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

when least expected

when one does not expect something. An old car is likely to give you trouble when least expected. My pencil usually breaks when least expected.
See also: expect, least
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

when least expected

When something is not awaited, as in My brother always calls when least expected, or You might know that the furnace would break down when least expected-we just had it overhauled .
See also: expect, least
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • when (one) least expects it
  • when (one) is least expecting it
  • least
  • take the path of least resistance
  • at least
  • at least so many
  • least of all
  • at the very worst
  • at the worst
  • at worst