The phrase "before you know it" is a common expression used to convey how quickly something can happen. In terms of spelling, it follows the standard English orthography with the only exception being the pronunciation of the word "before." The IPA phonetic transcription of "before" is /bɪˈfɔːr/, which indicates the short i sound followed by the "f" and long o sound. The rest of the phrase is spelled phonetically as it sounds, with emphasis on the final "it" sound.
"Before you know it" is an idiomatic expression typically used to refer to the swiftness or suddenness with which something happens or occurs, catching one by surprise or without warning. It suggests that an event, action, or period of time passes quickly or unnoticeably, often leaving the person involved with a sense of astonishment or disbelief.
This phrase implies that the passage of time or the occurrence of an event happens so rapidly that one does not have adequate time to comprehend or realize what is happening. It can be used in relation to both positive and negative situations. For instance, it might be employed when discussing the rapid progression of a child's growth, the completion of a task, or a sudden change in circumstances.
The expression "before you know it" is commonly used to emphasize how quickly things happen and how easily we can lose track of time. It serves as a reminder that life can be fleeting and that unexpected events can occur without any preliminary indications. This phrase is often utilised in conversational language, stories, and anecdotes to convey a sense of surprise or amazement at the rapid pace of events.