By chance

Meaning

"By chance" is an idiom that means something happens unexpectedly or accidentally, without any intention or planning. It's used to describe a situation where the outcome was not predetermined or intended.

Usage

• I met my future wife by chance at a party last weekend.
• By chance, I found out that my flight had been delayed and I had an extra hour to explore the city.
• The discovery of penicillin was a result of chance, as Alexander Fleming left a petri dish unattended in his lab.
• I got a call from my old boss offering me a new job opportunity by chance.
• By chance, I witnessed an accident while driving on the highway.

Roots and History

The idiom "by chance" has been used in English since the 17th century. Its earliest known use was recorded in William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" in 1609. Over time, the phrase has evolved to its current meaning of something happening unexpectedly or accidentally.

Synonyms in English

• By coincidence
• Serendipitously
• Unexpectedly
• Incidentally
• Fortuitously

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Par hasard (by chance)
• Spanish: Por casualidad (by chance)
• German: Zufällig (by chance)
• Italian: A caso (by chance)
• Russian: Выпадет случайно (it happens by chance)

Similar Idioms

• in the driver’s seat

• blowing smoke

• not at all