- To meet someone unexpectedly or by chance.
Explanation
Origin
- Run into: Appears around the early 20th century. It evokes the image of physically, though accidentally, colliding or 'running into' someone while moving. This transferred metaphorically to an unplanned encounter.
- Bump into: Similar timeframe and concept. Bump implies a light collision, reinforcing the accidental nature of the meeting.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- (No common direct slang replacements, these idioms are standard informal)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Not typically used for this expression, unless describing the shock): Fucking ran into my ex, can you believe it?
Milder/Standard:
- Encounter (More formal)
- Meet by chance
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common in informal and semi-formal conversations.
- Appropriate for everyday storytelling.
- Encounter might be used in more formal reporting.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning involves a physical collision. While derived from this, the phrasal verb almost always means an unplanned meeting. Non-native speakers might initially picture an actual accident.
- Also distinguish from run into meaning to encounter problems (e.g., We ran into some difficulties with the project). Context (meeting a person vs. encountering a problem/obstacle) is key.
Examples
- I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket yesterday.
- Guess who I bumped into downtown? Your cousin!
- It's funny how you always run into people when you least expect it.
- Sorry I'm late, I ran into traffic. (Can also mean encounter an obstacle, but the 'meet someone' meaning is very common).
Dialogue
Chen: You won't believe who I ran into at the coffee shop this morning!
Maria: Who?
Chen: Mr. Davidson, our old history teacher!
Maria: No way! I haven't seen him in ages. How is he?
Chen: He's retired now, looks great. We chatted for a few minutes. It was nice bumping into him.
Social Media Examples
- Facebook Status: Small world! Ran into my childhood best friend at the airport today after 10 years!
- Tweet: Just bumped into @CelebrityName downtown. Tried to play it cool but pretty sure I failed. 😂 #starstruck
- Instagram Story: (Selfie with someone) Look who I ran into! So good catching up with [Name]!
Response Patterns
- Surprise/Interest: Oh really?, No way!, What a coincidence!, How are they doing?
- Sharing own experience: That happens to me all the time!, Small world!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they ran into/bumped into someone:
- Ask about the person encountered (How is [Name]?, What are they up to these days?).
- Ask about the encounter (What did you talk about?, Was it awkward?).
- Comment on the coincidence (Small world, isn't it?).
Conversation Starter
- Yes, telling someone Guess who I ran into today? or starting a story with I bumped into [Name]... can be a good way to share news and start a conversation.
Intonation
- Stress often falls on run/bump, into, and the person encountered. Often delivered with slight surprise or as sharing interesting news.
- You'll never guess who I RAN INto!
- I BUMPED INto SARAH at the mall.
Generation Differences
- Universally used and understood across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Both run into and bump into are common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia). Usage frequency might vary slightly by region or personal preference.