〜ともあろうものが

Meaning

「ともあろうものが」 expresses that a person of high social standing or position has done something unbecoming of their status — something that deviates from expected behavior. It conveys the speaker's criticism, surprise, disappointment, or disbelief. The nouns used before this pattern are typically positions of authority or respect, such as 「国会議員」, 「大統領」, 「教師」, 「医者」, 「警官」, etc.

Formation

Examples

1. 税務官ともあろうものが、脱税するなんて、なんていうこと。
   For a tax official of all people to evade taxes — what an outrage.

2. 記者ともあろうものが、現場に行かずネットで情報を集めるとは。
   For a journalist of all people to gather information online instead of going to the scene.

3. 国会議員ともあろうものが、平気で賄賂を受け取るなんて、あってはならないことだ。
   For a member of parliament of all people to accept bribes without a second thought — that is absolutely unacceptable.

Summary

• 「〜ともあろうものが」 means "someone of the stature of... would..." (expresses criticism/disbelief)
• Attaches to Nouns