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The meaning and origin of the expression: Accidents will happen

Accidents will happen

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What's the meaning of the phrase 'Accidents will happen'?

Things sometimes go wrong, despite our best efforts.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Accidents will happen'?

Accidents will happenThis proverb has been overtaken by the more vulgar 20th century 's*** happens'. The original has its origins in the 18th century, as in John Muller's A treatise containing the practical part of fortification, 1755:

But, notwithstanding all human precautions that can be taken, yet accidents will happen.

Charles Dickens took up the thought a century or so later, with this the most well known expression of the proverb, in The personal history of David Copperfield, 1850:

'My dear friend Copperfield,' said Mr. Micawber, 'accidents will occur in the best-regulated families; and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which sanctifies while it enhances the - a - I would say, in short, by the influence of Woman, in the lofty character of Wife, they may be expected with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy.

See also:

Accident of birth

Accidentally on purpose

An accident waiting to happen

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

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.

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