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# had an accident

phrase (verb phrase: have an accident, has, had an accident, having)

«had an 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. (literal) was hurt or caused damage by mistake, as in a car crash or fall.
2. (euphemism) wet or soiled themselves (did a wee or poo in their pants), said of children, pets or ill people.
3. (euphemism, rarely, dark) a cover for something done on purpose in crime stories.

### In the lessons

The toilet sense is a kind, gentle way to talk about wetting oneself without embarrassment; used by parents, carers, teachers and nurses. Everyday, all regions.

### Examples

- Dad had an accident on the motorway but he's OK.
- The toddler had an accident, so we need spare pants.
- The puppy had an accident on the carpet.
- She had an accident on her bike and broke her arm.
- "Don't worry, everyone has accidents," the teacher told the little boy.
- Grandma had an accident in the kitchen and burned her hand.
- Bring spare clothes in case your child has an accident at nursery.
- The road was closed after a car had an accident.

### Note

Trap: with toddlers or pets it usually means wetting or soiling, not a crash. Be kind: it is nothing to laugh at. Plain words: crash, fall; or wet themselves.