expect

ex|pect [ ık`spekt ] verb transitive ***

1. ) to think that something will happen:

We're expecting good weather this weekend.

The trial is expected soon.

expect that: Investors expect that the rate of inflation will rise.

expect someone/something to do something: I didn't really expect you to understand.

We were expecting the letter to arrive by now.

as expected (=in the way you expected): As expected, the party was a great success.

when you least expect it: An accident can happen at any time, just when you least expect it.

half expect (=think that something might happen): She half expected him to be angry with her.

a ) SPOKEN used in negative sentences to tell someone not to be too hopeful about something because it is unlikely to happen:

Don't expect me to help you.

A new hairstyle will improve your appearance, but you can't expect miracles.

b ) it's (only) to be expected SPOKEN used for saying that something is completely normal:

It's only to be expected that someone would have to cancel.

c ) what do/can you expect? SPOKEN used for saying that something does not surprise you, even though it is unpleasant or makes you feel disappointed:

The food was awful, but from a school cafeteria what do you expect?

d ) what/how/when etc. do you expect...? SPOKEN used for telling someone in a slightly annoyed way that something is not possible or reasonable:

How do you expect me to guess what you're thinking?

2. ) to think that it is right or reasonable that something should happen:

Our customers expect good service.

expect to do something: I expect to get paid on time.

expect someone/something to do something: It is not fair to expect me to do all the housework.

expect something of/from someone: the level of fitness expected of a professional athlete

a ) be too much to expect SPOKEN used for saying that you think something is possible or reasonable even though someone else is unlikely to do it or refuses to do it:

I guess it's too much to expect that you'll call when you arrive.

3. ) often progressive to be waiting for someone or something to arrive:

Are you expecting a package?

I'm expecting guests this evening.

expect someone home/back/in: What time do you expect Sara home?

be expecting (a baby)

to be pregnant

I expect (so) MAINLY BRITISH SPOKEN

used for saying that you think something is probably true:

I expect (so) (that): I expect you're hungry.