chance on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To discover something or meet someone by luck, when you weren't looking for them.
Literal meaning: To happen upon something by chance — i.e., to land on it by pure luck.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To find or encounter someone or something by accident, without having planned or searched for it.
"I chanced on a fascinating old diary while clearing out the attic."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To meet someone unexpectedly.
"He chanced on an old school friend while travelling through Paris."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Slightly literary or old-fashioned. More common in written English than spoken. 'Chance on' and 'chance upon' are interchangeable. Often used with discoveries of books, places, or information.
Commonly used with
discovery solution book person information place
Forms
Base
chance on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chances on
he/she/it
Past simple
chanced on
yesterday
Past participle
chanced on
have + pp
-ing form
chancing on
continuous
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Synonyms
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