before you know it

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You invest that $650, let it compound over time, and before you know it, you’re a multimillionaire retiring by 60.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

"It's hard. Not everyone lives in London, it's a tourist hot spot, and you're trying to follow Google Maps or whatever to know where you're going and before you know it, your phone's gone."

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

"It takes time to then get players out, get players in and then before you know it, that manager doesn't get the results and then they're gone and you're back to square one," said Rooney.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2025

Then, before you know it, I can have a conversation with you now.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2024

Moving water sounds sleepy, like a tired person going “shush,” and before you know it I’m flat-out fast asleep.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick