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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • stumble on
  • stumble on (someone or something)
  • stumble over
  • stumble over (someone or something)
  • stumble upon (someone)
  • be scratching (one's) head
  • be scratching your head
  • bring (something) down on (oneself)
  • bring down on
  • bat (one's) eyes