Before you know where you are

phrase

Very quickly or suddenly.

You will be done your studies and working before you know where you are.

Often appears as...

you'll be done before you know where you are
it will be finished before you know where you are

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Very quickly or suddenly.

You will be done your studies and working before you know where you are.

Often appears as...

you'll be done before you know where you are
it will be finished before you know where you are

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Visual representation of "before you know where you are"

Pro Tip 1/3

Surprise Element

The phrase conveys an element of surprise regarding how quickly something happens.

I just started college, and before you know where you are, it's already finals week!

Pro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

It's commonly used in casual, conversational English rather than formal situations.

We'll start the party, and before you know where you are, it'll be midnight!

Pro Tip 3/3

Time Flies

The phrase can emphasize how time seems to pass very quickly.

The kids grow up so fast—one day they're crawling, and before you know where you are, they're off to school.

Pro Tip 1/3

Surprise Element

The phrase conveys an element of surprise regarding how quickly something happens.

I just started college, and before you know where you are, it's already finals week!

Pro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

It's commonly used in casual, conversational English rather than formal situations.

We'll start the party, and before you know where you are, it'll be midnight!

Pro Tip 3/3

Time Flies

The phrase can emphasize how time seems to pass very quickly.

The kids grow up so fast—one day they're crawling, and before you know where you are, they're off to school.

Pro Tip 1/3

Surprise Element

The phrase conveys an element of surprise regarding how quickly something happens.

I just started college, and before you know where you are, it's already finals week!

Pro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

It's commonly used in casual, conversational English rather than formal situations.

We'll start the party, and before you know where you are, it'll be midnight!

Pro Tip 3/3

Time Flies

The phrase can emphasize how time seems to pass very quickly.

The kids grow up so fast—one day they're crawling, and before you know where you are, they're off to school.

Visual representation of the word "Before you know where you are"

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