de carambola

de carambola
 

I was reading an article in a Spanish publication that used the phrase "llegó de carambola. It means de chiripa. I would like to know if this term is used or understood in the Americas.

Until now, carambola, to me, meant a term used in billiards or a star shaped fruit.

De carambola is used in Argentina with the meaning "by chance", especially "by pure luck", and mainly when a second goal is also achieved when pursuing another goal and without even trying.

"De carambola" probably wouldn't be understood in Mexico. Maybe in context. :)
"De casualidad" might be the most frequently used expression and I don't know if everyone would understand "de chiripa"... I think it's a rather old expression. :D

Thanks both of you. FYI: I spoke someone from Bogota who never heard of the term.