stumble upon (someone or something)

stumble upon (someone or something)

1. Literally, to trip on someone or something with one's foot. I wasn't watching where I was going and stumbled upon the root of a tree. I entered the living room and nearly stumbled upon someone who was asleep on the floor.

2. To find, discover, or happen upon someone or something casually or by chance. I stumbled upon this fantastic little café the other day. The police officer stumbled upon a couple of thieves trying to break into the building. While researching ways of boosting the immune system, the team ended up stumbling upon a remarkable new method of treating cancer.

See also: stumble, upon

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