happen on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb literary or old-fashioned (see also happen)
to find something or meet someone by chance Synonym : come across:
I happened on the restaurant by chance.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

happen upon
• happen upon (someone or something)
meet someone or find something unexpectedly
I happened upon a very valuable book when I was cleaning up my grandfather's house.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

happen upon something
• happen upon (someone or something)
meet someone or find something unexpectedly
I happened upon a very valuable book when I was cleaning up my grandfather's house.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

happen upon
{v.}, {literary} To meet or find accidentally or by chance.
The Girl Scouts happened on a charming little brook not far from the camp.

At the convention I happened upon an old friend I had not seen for years.
Syn.: CHANCE ON, COME ACROSS(1),(3). Compare: HIT ON.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

happen upon someone
• happen upon (someone or something)
meet someone or find something unexpectedly
I happened upon a very valuable book when I was cleaning up my grandfather's house.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲