Definition

Noun: A fortunate and unexpected event or opportunity; a piece of good luck that occurs by chance.

Usage

This noun describes a positive, often surprising, turn of events that brings good fortune. It emphasizes the element of luck and lack of prior planning.

Examples

• The meeting with the old friend who offered him a job was a happy chance.
• Finding that rare book in a small town bookstore was a happy chance.
• It was a happy chance that the weather cleared just in time for the outdoor ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• "by happy chance": This adverbial phrase is used to describe how something fortunate happened.
  • By happy chance, the doctor was still in the building when the emergency occurred.

Variants and Related Words

• Serendipity (n): The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. (Often considered a more formal synonym).
• Fluke (n): A chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck. (Can be positive or negative, but often implies more randomness than "happy chance").
• Fortuity (n): The quality of being fortuitous; an accidental occurrence. (A more formal, neutral term for a chance event).

Synonyms

• Stroke of luck
• Fortunate accident
• Lucky break
• Lucky chance

Antonyms

• Misfortune
• Bad break
• Ill luck
• Mishap

Related Idioms

• A lucky break: A piece of good luck, especially one that creates an opportunity.
  • Getting that audition was her lucky break.
• A stroke of luck: A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune.
  • Finding a parking spot right in front was a real stroke of luck.

Noun

1. an unexpected piece of good luck
   • he finally got his big break