Explanation
Indicates an action or behavior that strongly implies a certain unspoken message or feeling.
Formation
Verb-volitional + と言わんばかりに, い-Adjective + と言わんばかりに, な-Adjective + だと言わんばかりに, Noun + だと言わんばかりに
Detailed explanation
The ～と言わんばかりに grammar point is used to express that someone's action or behavior is so strong that it's as if they are saying something without actually saying it. It can be translated as 'as if to say' or 'almost as though stating'. This form is often used when the speaker wants to convey speculation about someone's unvoiced thoughts or feelings based on their behavior.
Examples
Kanojo wa yuushou shita to iwan bakari ni waratta.
She laughed as if to say she won.
Kare wa taoreru to iwan bakari no hiroukan ga atta.
He was so fatigued it was as if he might collapse.
Kanojo wa ame no hi o osorete ite, harete hoshii to iwan bakari ni mado no soto o mitsumete ita.
She was afraid of rainy days, almost as if to say she wanted it to be sunny, as she gazed out the window.
Kare no koudou wa, dare ni mo shinjite moraenai to iwan bakari datta.
His behavior was as if to say that no one would believe him.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.