happen by

happen by

To appear, arrive, pass, or come upon casually or by chance. I happened by a quaint new craft store the other day. I happened by your brother yesterday in the grocery store. If another tornado like that happens by any time soon, this town is done for!
See also: by, happen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • happen along
  • happen on
  • happening
  • happen (up)on (someone or something)
  • nother
  • a whole nother story
  • arrive at the scene (of something)
  • be taken by surprise
  • cast a long shadow
  • bless the world with (one's) heels
References in periodicals archive
The local indigenous people come here too, to beg on the streets or market pottery, blankets, and other tokens of their culture to the tourists who happen by.
Dear Tio Sam:
Question 3: "I don't know what will happen by the year 2000.
Views from the top: nursing home chain executives on long-term care financing reform