Things turn out contrary to what one wishes; results are opposite to expectations.
事实与愿望相反。指原来打算做的事没能做到。
三国魏·嵇康《幽愤》诗事与愿违，遘兹淹留。”
He studied hard for the exam, but things turned out contrary to his wishes.
Learn the next connected idiom: 事与愿违 (shì yǔ yuàn wéi) → 违法乱纪 (wéi fǎ luàn jì)
Want to explore more random idioms? Try our 🎲 Chinese Idiom Generator