the next thing I knew

This page is about the conversational phrase the next thing I knew

Meaning

You can say this when you're describing something that happened to you suddenly and unexpectedly.

For example

  • "I was walking along, and the next thing I knew there was this huge explosion and smoke everywhere."

  • "You fainted at work?"
    "That's right. I was at my desk, and the next thing I knew I was on the floor."

Quick Quiz

Kyle said, "I was driving along, and the next thing I knew

a. my brakes weren't working."

b. I'd have to fix my brakes."

c. I can drive with brakes."
a) my brakes weren't working." b) I'd have to fix my brakes." c) I can drive with brakes."

Contributor: Matt Errey