chance on (someone or something)

chance on (someone or something)

To find someone or something accidentally or without looking. Please don't be upset, we didn't mean to exclude you! When Chad and I went out, we just chanced on the rest of the group, that's all! Were you snooping in my room? How else would you just chance on my love letter?See also: chance, on

chance (up)on someone or something

to find someone or something by accident; to happen on someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) I chanced upon a nice little restaurant on my walk today. I chanced on an old friend of yours in town today.See also: chance, on

chance on

Also, chance upon. Happen upon, find or meet accidentally, as in In Paris we chanced on a wonderful little restaurant, or Andrew chanced upon his karate teacher in the health-food store. [Mid-1500s] See also: chance, on

chance on

or uponv. To find or meet someone or something accidentally; happen upon someone or something: While in Atlanta we chanced on two old friends. I chanced upon my neighbor while I was shopping at the mall.See also: chance, on