hit upon
To suddenly think of or find a good idea, sometimes by accident.
Meanings
To discover or think of a good idea, plan, or solution, often by chance or sudden inspiration.
"Newton is said to have hit upon his theory of gravity after observing a falling apple."
"He hit upon the idea of using a rubber band to hold the papers together."
— The Economist (paraphrased journalistic usage, widely attested pattern)
To find or encounter something unexpectedly while searching or exploring.
"While sorting through the archive, the historian hit upon a collection of previously unknown letters."
'Hit upon' is the more formal and literary variant of 'hit on' in the sense of discovering an idea. It is common in academic, journalistic, and historical writing. Not used for flirting.
Commonly used with
Forms
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