Next thing one knows Meaning in English
expression
释义
Used to describe when something happens very suddenly or unexpectedly, often without warning or preparation.
用法与细微差别
Informal and often used in storytelling to bridge time jumps or sudden changes. Commonly follows a sequence of events: 'I was studying, and next thing I know, it's midnight.' Often used with 'the' omitted in casual speech ('next thing you know').
例句
I was walking home, and next thing I know, it started raining hard.
basic
He was eating dinner, and next thing he knows, his phone rings.
basic
We were watching TV, and next thing we know, it was midnight.
basic
The kids were playing outside, and next thing you know, they’re covered in mud.
natural
I was just checking my email, and next thing I know, an hour has passed.
natural
You're talking with a friend, and next thing you know, you've been chatting for hours.
natural