accidentally on purpose
accidentally on purpose
Meaning
- performing an action intentionally and pretending to either oneself or to the world that as an accident.
- as if by accident, but really by meaning.
“Accidentally on purpose” refers to a deliberate action or behavior that is disguised as unintentional or coincidental, often with the intention of achieving a specific outcome or manipulating a situation.
Example Sentences
- She accidentally on purpose spilled coffee on her ex’s new girlfriend’s dress.
- He accidentally on purpose left his phone unlocked for his nosy colleague to see.
- The child accidentally on purpose knocked over the vase to avoid cleaning his room.
- She accidentally on purpose forgot to mention the meeting to her rival coworker.
- He accidentally on purpose left his favorite book on the table, hoping his crush would notice and strike up a conversation.
Origin and History
The phrase “accidentally on purpose” has its roots in colloquial English and likely emerged in the 18th century. The first printed and maintained record can be found in the History of the Famous Preacher, Friar Gerund de Campazas, by José Francisco de Isla, 1772:
“Tell us what is Modesty of Voice, for you happened accidentally on purpose to drop this word, and I don’t rightly know what it signifies.”
Synonyms
Intended; prearranged; predetermined; pre-planned; fixed.
Share your opinions2 Opinions
I’ve heard it used where something was literally done by accident, and on purpose. If you shoot Bob, thinking that it was Tom, then you shot him on purpose (you intended to shoot the person you saw) but it was an accident that Bob was the victim. You accidentally shot him on purpose.
‒ H August 17, 2020
I personally have used this idiom to express the uncontrollable action of accidentally punching someone face when they won’t stop tickeling me.
‒ Random Girl December 13, 2019