on the contrary—
1. in opposition to what might be expected:
- She did not exult in her rival’s fall, but, on the contrary, commiserated her.
2. on the other hand:
- People used to say that a musical was written for musical slobs. Mr. Sondheim, on the contrary, assumes that you have heard some Ravel and Debussy.
to the contrary—
1. = on the contrary 1:
- The liberal resurrection is not a sign of vitality of the capitalist system, but to the contrary, it is a mark of its failure.
2. to the opposite effect:
- Working-class to the backbone, just like us. And if he’s been filling you up with a lot of toffee to the contrary, more fool you.
3. in spite of smth.; notwithstanding smth.:
- I know she’s unhappy, all her brave talk to the contrary.