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Accidentally on purpose

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Accidentally on purpose'?

Deliberately, but feigning accident.

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

The history of “Accidentally on purpose” in printed materials

Trend of accidentally on purpose in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Accidentally on purpose

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