bargained for

[beachboy]

Does the expression more than one had bargained for only refer to problems and difficulties, or can it refer to something good, like:
We expected to collect 10 dollars, but managed to collect much more than we had bargained for?

[SoothingDave]

No, it's for unfortunate situations. I've never heard it used so positively and literally.

[emsr2d2]

Does the expression more than one had bargained for only refer to problems and difficulties, or can it refer to something good, like:
We expected to collect 10 dollars, but managed to collect much more than we had bargained for?

It is generally used for negative situations but I don't think it would be incorrect to use it for positive statements.

She went to the film premiere hoping to catch a glimpse of Brad Pitt. She got a lot more than she had bargained for when Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise turned up as well!