What Does "Next Thing One Knows" Mean?
"Next thing one knows" is an English idiom. It is used to describe something unexpected or sudden that occurs shortly after a previous event or action.Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "next thing one knows" used in a sentence:- She was enjoying her peaceful day at the park when, next thing she knew, it started pouring rain.
- He was lost in thought when, next thing he knew, he missed his bus stop and had to backtrack.
- They were having a pleasant conversation when, next thing they knew, a surprise guest arrived.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Next Thing One Knows" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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