Meaning

Accidentally on purpose

The meaning of the phrase

Deliberately, but feigning accident.

Accidentally on purpose

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Accidentally on purpose’?

The first printed record of this phrase that I can find is from 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.

See also:

Accident of birth

Accidents will happen

An accident waiting to happen

Historical trend

“Accidentally on purpose” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1880–2020).

18801900192019401960198020002020
  • Accidentally on purpose