by design

Idioms  

1. On purpose, deliberately, as in Whether by luck or by design, his application was accepted. This term, originally put as on design, uses design in the sense of “plan.” [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

But “Never Be the Same” finds Thompson operating at an even higher level of craft than he has in the past, something that was by design.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

“That was by design — to infuse the club and the community and grow that,” Reynolds said of he and his partner’s aims.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Groups including Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council have described the current approach as "homelessness by design" because they say the time provided to find a job or new housing is too short.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

First, by design, annuities reallocate money from those who die early to those who live forever.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Though none of this was by design, it proved to be the best possible setting for those who had been imprisoned in Germany.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• consciously
• knowingly
• pointedly
• purposely
• studiously
• voluntarily
• willfully