PhrasesHub

Accidentally on purpose

    Definitions

      • Deliberate action disguised as an accident
        To pretend an action or event was unintentional, when it was actually planned or purposeful

      • To create a desired outcome through indirect means
        To achieve a desired result without directly admitting or acknowledging one's intentions or actions

      • To slyly manipulate a situation or person
        To use cunning or clever tactics to achieve a goal or manipulate a person without them realizing it

    Examples of Accidentally on purpose

    • I spilled coffee on my shirt on purpose to avoid going to the meeting.

      This idiom is used to describe an intentional action that is disguised as an accident. It suggests that the person wants to avoid a situation or avoid blame for their actions.

    • The salesperson tripped over the rug in the store, accidentally on purpose, to create a distraction while they stole a product.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone seems to make a mistake, but it is actually a deliberate action. In this example, the salesperson is pretending to accidentally trip over the rug to create a distraction while they steal a product.

    • My friend missed the bus on purpose because they didn't want to go to work today.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone seems to make a mistake, but it is actually a deliberate action. In this example, the friend is pretending to accidentally miss the bus to avoid going to work.

    • The teacher dropped the exam papers on the floor, accidentally on purpose, to give the students a chance to look at the answers.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone seems to make a mistake, but it is actually a deliberate action. In this example, the teacher is pretending to accidentally drop the exam papers to give the students a chance to look at the answers.

    • The coach tripped over the water bottle, accidentally on purpose, to give the player a chance to score a goal.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation where someone seems to make a mistake, but it is actually a deliberate action. In this example, the coach is pretending to accidentally trip over the water bottle to give the player a chance to score a goal.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "accidentally on purpose" is often used to describe a calculated action that is made to appear unplanned or accidental. It can also imply a sense of sneakiness or cunning in achieving a desired outcome. In some cases, it may also suggest a level of humor or playfulness in the situation.

    One common use of this idiom is in situations where someone wants to avoid taking direct responsibility for their actions or intentions. By claiming that something was done accidentally on purpose, they can avoid any potential consequences or criticism. It can also be used to express a sense of mischief or amusement, as if the person is getting away with something.

    Origin of "Accidentally on purpose"

    The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 1800s. It may have been influenced by similar phrases such as "on purpose" or "by accident," which were commonly used at the time. Some sources suggest that it may have been popularized by British playwrights, who used it in their plays to add humor or wit to a situation.

    One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is that it is a play on the phrase "accidental purpose," which was used in the 1700s to describe something that happens by chance but has a deliberate outcome. Over time, this phrase evolved into "accidentally on purpose" and became a commonly used idiom in the English language.