SuGoiSuす語彙すGrammar › N1 · 09 Emphasis and feeling
〜んばかり: as if about to; almost
N1 · 09 Emphasis and feeling
Says that someone is so extreme that they look as though they are about to do something.
Verb ない-stem + んばかり (する becomes せんばかり). Followed by に, の, or だ: 泣かんばかりに, 倒れんばかりの. Describes appearance, mostly strong emotions or gestures. Written style.
Examples
彼女は泣かんばかりに喜んだ。
She was so happy she looked as if she might burst into tears.
会場は割れんばかりの拍手に包まれた。
The hall was filled with applause that seemed about to split it open.