Definition of stumble on

The phrase "stumble upon" or "stumble on" refers to the act of coming across something unexpected or unexplored unwittingly. The origin of this expression dates back to the late 19th century, specifically to the year 1891, when it first appeared in the Saturday Review, a popular British periodical. The origin of the phrase is attributed to Richard Savege, a British novelist, and journalist who used it in his serialized novel "Under the Red Lamp." In one scene, Savege describes a frightened aristocrat who accidentally stumbled upon a den of thieves during a midnight raid. The expression continued to gain popularity and was mentioned by widely read writers such as H.G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, and P.G. Wodehouse in the early 20th century. The actual origin of the phrase remains somewhat murky as the expression did not enter popular use until much later, and the Oxford English Dictionary does not provide detailed documentation. Some suggest that the phrase refers to the way one unintentionally trips and falls onto something during exploration, while others believe it reflects the chance discovery of something valuable or fascinating while wandering aimlessly. Regardless of its roots, the phrase "stumble upon" has become an integral part of the English language, thanks to technology's assistance in our daily routine. Today, the term is commonly employed in digital contexts to describe the chance discovery of websites, blogs, or social media accounts, underscoring the infinite potential for stumbling upon something curious and new in an ever-expanding digital landscape.