N2 — outside your level filter
write + (past) + just when it looked like X — and straight away something else, usually the reverse
kaita katoomouto
just when it looked like X — and straight away something else, usually the reverse
泣いているかと思うと、もうけらけら笑っている。
naite iru ka to omou to, mou kerakera waratte iru.
One minute he's crying, and the next he's cackling away. neutral
帰ってきたかと思ったら、もう出ていったよ。
kaette kita ka to omottara, mou dete itta yo.
He'd barely got home before he was out the door again. casual