cross someone's path

present singular third person crosses someone's path · participle present crossing someone's path · participle past crossed someone's path · past crossed someone's path

1. idiomaticTo meet someone by chance.

   None of the sportsmen who have crossed my path have made as great an impact on me as Ian.

   2 more examples

   Ewan McGregor is back as the lead character, Renton, perhaps best remembered for his visit in the first film to the “Worst Toilet in Scotland.” Robert Carlyle appears as Begbie, who starts brawls with almost anyone who crosses his path; Ewen Bremner returns as the dimwitted Spud, who, in the first movie, has a memorable job interview while high on speed; and Jonny Lee Miller is back as Sick Boy, now known as Simon.

   2017 January 26, Christopher D. Shea, “T2 Trainspotting’: The Early Reviews”, in New York Time

   In this particular section of the reserve, or hunting block, there were four lions available to hunt every year, an estimated 2% to 4% of the local population. But one does not simply shoot a lion if it crosses your path. Lion hunts are highly choreographed, rarefied affairs; you’re looking at $70,000 before you even load your rifle.

   2026 April 21, Cal Flyn, “On the trail with the hunters who believe shooting big game can save Africa’s wildlife”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: bump into

2. idiomaticTo oppose someone's plans.

   Woe to the maid whose lover Shall cross his path to-day!

   1842, Thomas Babington Macaulay, “The Battle of Lake Regillus”, in Lays of Ancient Rome