sooner

had rather do something and had sooner do something

prefer to do something. (The had is usually expressed as the contraction, 'd.) I'd rather go to town than sit here all evening. They'd rather not.

See also: had, rather

no sooner said than done

an expression indicating that something has been done quickly and obediently. Jill: Can I help you out? Jane: Yes! Put these files in alphabetical order. Jill: No sooner said than done. The service at the hotel was really remarkable. Everything we asked for was no sooner said than done.

See also: done, said

Not if I see you sooner, and Not if I see you first.

Inf. a response to I'll see you later. (This means you will not see me if I see you first, because I will avoid you.) Tom: See you later. Mary: Not if I see you sooner. John: Okay. If you want to argue, I'll just leave. See you later. Mary: Not if I see you first.

See also: and, first, if, see

sooner or later

eventually; in the short term or in the long term. He'll have to pay the bill sooner or later. she'll get what she deserves sooner or later.

See also: later

sooner than you think

an expression stating that something will happen sooner than a time expected or just mentioned. Sally: I'm going to have to stop pretty soon for a rest. Mary: Sooner than you think, I'd say. I think one of our tires is low. Tom: The stock market is bound to run out of steam pretty soon. Bob: Sooner than you think from the look of today's news.

See also: think

sooner the better

The sooner something [referred to] gets done, the better things will be. Bob: When do you need this? Mary: The sooner the better. Bob: Please get the oil changed in the station wagon. The sooner the better. Alice: I'll do it today.

See also: better

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No sooner said than done.

something that you say when something is done as soon as someone asks for it or suggests it 'Would you mind closing the window for a while?' 'No sooner said than done.'

See also: done, said

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no sooner do something than do something else

immediately after one thing happens another thing happens I had no sooner gotten my bags unpacked than I felt as if I had never been on vacation. He was no sooner graduated than he was on his way to California. She no sooner completed one project than she invested the profits in the next.

no sooner than something

not before a particular time The new drug is expected to be ready no sooner than early next year.

sooner or later

at some time in the future Don't worry, sooner or later the cat will come home.

See also: later