# next thing one knows

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/next-thing-one-knows
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

suddenly, out of the blue.

## Examples

- I blinked, and next thing I knew, the cat was gone.
- We were just talking about the weather, and next thing I knew, he was asking me for a huge favor.
- The argument began with a minor disagreement over dinner, yet next thing they knew, they were packing their bags and ending the relationship.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.