► contrary to popular belief (=opposite to what most people think)· Contrary to popular belief, boys are not usually better at maths than girls.
► against/contrary to expectations (=very different to what someone expected)· Contrary to our expectations, the share price actually increased.
► contrary to popular opinion (=in spite of what most people think)· Contrary to popular opinion, many cats dislike milk.
► contrary to somebody's wishes (=against what someone has said they want)· Contrary to her parents' wishes, she decided not to go to university.