Does this phrase exist?

The Iraq War?

The old switcheroo.

just use two words if you can :: forecast ? endeavor ? improbable? hmmm… share with us what you ultimately use…

In testing terminology that would be the ‘expected results’ and ‘actual results’. Not sure if there’s a specific phrase describing them not matching.

Serendipity is finding an unexpected result accidentally. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the opposite result. And something serendipitous always has to be a positive.

I don’t think there is an exact work or phrase for what you describe. One possibility is: “unintended consequences.”

I guess in sports it would be called an upset….

Wouldn’t it be called irony? I mean, situational irony, not Alanis Morrissette’s definition.

Irony:
– Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs
– The recognition of the difference between reality and appearance; includes situational irony in which there is a contrast between what is intended or expected and what actually occurs

i agree with alena. it would be irony.

the correct term is indeed irony. Ironically, after fitting the water filter the water came out green.

thanks, y’all! My buddy is thinking more PHILOSOPHICAL but I think irony is the right answer! Thank you guys for the answer!

snafu