Before you know it Meaning in English
expression
ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ/ /ˈju/ /ˈnoʊ/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt
bi-FOR yoo NOH it
bɪfˈɔː/ /jˈuː/ /nˈəʊ/ /ˈɪt
bi-FOR yoo NOH it
Definition
Used to say that something will happen very quickly or sooner than you think.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used for positive or surprising quick changes; commonly appears in predictions or reassurances. Not literal—does not mean you will actually not know! Frequently used: 'You'll be finished before you know it.' Avoid using in formal writing.
Spanish: en un abrir y cerrar de ojos - sin darte cuentaPortuguese (BR): num piscar de olhos - sem perceberPortuguese (PT): num abrir e fechar de olhos - sem dares por issoChinese (Simplified): 转眼间 - 一眨眼Chinese (Traditional): 轉眼間 - 一眨眼Hindi: पल भर में - पता भी नहीं चलेगाArabic: في لمح البصر - دون أن تشعرBengali: আপনি বুঝে ওঠার আগেই - আঁচ করতে না করতেইRussian: не успеешь оглянуться - глазом не успеешь моргнутьJapanese: あっという間に - 気づかないうちにVietnamese: chớp mắt là - chưa kịp nhận ra thìKorean: 눈 깜짝할 사이에 - 어느새Turkish: göz açıp kapayıncaya kadar - farkına varmadanUrdu: آپ کو خبر بھی نہیں ہوگی کہIndonesian: tanpa kamu sadari - sebelum kamu sadar
Example Sentences
You'll feel better before you know it.
basic
Summer will be here before you know it.
basic
The baby will start walking before you know it.
basic
Keep practicing and before you know it, you'll master English.
natural
Your kids will be grown up before you know it.
natural
Just relax; the waiting will be over before you know it.
natural