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What does “before you know it” mean?

Meaning, example sentence and a quick practice question.

B2

Very soon; quicker than expected

“Before you know it, the year will be over.”

Say it smoothly: “be-for-yuh-know-it”

From the B2 lesson What's Next? (the future).

Quick check

What does “before you know it” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“before you know it” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
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