Learn English – Idiom for describing an unintended benefit

idiomsmeaningphrase-requests

I am looking for an idiom to describe an unintended benefit that results due to an action taken.

Best Answer

Not an idiom, but a single word could be...

something advantageous or valuable that is received or obtained as a benefit beyond what is due or expected. (Dictionary.com)

To cite an example, I'm reminded of a line of Charlie's from 2½ Men:

"Alan, he was happy to see his friends. Being away from you is just gravy." (=unintended benefit)

If the benefit is financial, you could also use...

windfall

an amount of money that somebody/something wins or receives unexpectedly (ODO)

EDIT: Like @Tim said, this can also be used metaphorically to refer to gains other than financial, but it doesn't quite convey the 'unintended' part.

If you're looking for an idiom, rather than a single word, consider:

pennies from heaven, a stroke of luck

But, again, these don't quite cover the 'unintended result of your own action'.

Related Solutions

Learn English – Idiom to describe something that has little to no effect

We will need a little more context to clearly understand what you have in mind. For now, a drop in the ocean or a drop in the bucket comes to mind.

a drop in the ocean  (British, American & Australian) also a drop in the
bucket (American)

a very small amount in comparison to the amount that is needed 

A hundred thousand may seem a lot but it's a drop in the ocean compared to                  
the millions that need to be spent.

Learn English – idiom for unintended consequences

The idiom out of the frying pan into the fire may suggest what you are referring to:

Fig. said when you move from a bad or difficult situation to one that is worse.(Typically: get ~; go ~; jump ~.)

Source: www.dictionary.cambridge.org

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Learn English – Idiom to describe something that has little to no effect

Learn English – idiom for unintended consequences

Related Topic