cross someone's path

English

Verb

cross someone's path (third-person singular simple present crosses someone's path, present participle crossing someone's path, simple past and past participle crossed someone's path)

1. (idiomatic) To meet someone by chance.

   Synonym: bump into

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

   • 2017 January 26, Christopher D. Shea, “T2 Trainspotting’: The Early Reviews”, in The New York Times‎^[1], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 18 August 2025:

     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.

   • 2026 April 21, Cal Flyn, “On the trail with the hunters who believe shooting big game can save Africa’s wildlife”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian‎^[2], London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 11 October 2026:

     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.

2. (idiomatic) To oppose someone's plans.
   • 1842, Thomas Babington Macaulay, “The Battle of Lake Regillus”, in Lays of Ancient Rome:

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