Chance on Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃæns/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
CHANSS-on
tʃˈɑːns/ /ˈɒn
CHAHNS-on
Definition
To find or see something or someone unexpectedly, usually by accident and not by searching.
Usage & Nuances
This is a somewhat formal and literary phrasal verb meaning 'to come across' or 'find accidentally.' Mainly used in British English and in written or storytelling contexts. Seldom used in daily spoken American English; 'run into' or 'come across' are much more common.
Spanish: encontrarse con - toparse conPortuguese (BR): deparar-se com - tropeçar emPortuguese (PT): dar de caras com - tropeçar emChinese (Simplified): 偶然遇到 - 无意中发现Chinese (Traditional): 偶然遇到 - 無意中發現Hindi: अचानक मिलना - संयोग से पानाArabic: يصادف - يلتقي صدفةBengali: হঠাৎ খুঁজে পাওয়া - হঠাৎ দেখা পাওয়াRussian: случайно наткнуться - случайно встретитьJapanese: 偶然見つける - 偶然出会うVietnamese: tình cờ bắt gặp - tình cờ tìm thấyKorean: 우연히 발견하다 - 우연히 마주치다Turkish: rastlamak - tesadüfen bulmakUrdu: اتفاقاً ملنا - اچانک دریافت کرناIndonesian: kebetulan menemukan - kebetulan bertemu
Example Sentences
I chanced on an old photo of my family.
basic
We chanced on a lovely little café in the city.
basic
She chanced on her childhood friend at the market.
basic
Sometimes you chance on treasures at a flea market you never knew you wanted.
natural
We were lost and just chanced on the right street by luck.
natural
You never know what you'll chance on when exploring new places.
natural