Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/a-happy-accident/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [A](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/a/) / a happy accident

# a happy accident

phrase (noun phrase: a happy accident, happy accidents)

«a happy accident» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a lucky mistake or chance that turns out well.
2. (euphemism) a baby who was not planned.

### In the lessons

Common in all regions. In art and science, a lucky mistake (penicillin was a happy accident). In families, a polite way to say a pregnancy was not planned.

### Examples

- The new colour was a happy accident — I spilled the blue paint into the yellow.
- Many inventions were happy accidents.
- Mum says my little sister was a happy accident.
- Losing the way was a happy accident; we found a lovely beach.
- Painter: «There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.»
- Science lesson: «The microwave oven was found by a happy accident with a melted chocolate bar.»

### Note

A good thing, despite «accident». About a child it means «unplanned» and is said with love. Do not confuse with a real accident where someone is hurt.