happen before (one's) time

happen before (one's) time

To occur prior to one's tenure or before one was born. A: "I never knew that this law was the result of such a tragic incident." B: "Well, it happened before your time, so that's not too surprising." I don't know why that project fell apart—it happened before my time. I know this blunder happened before your time and isn't your fault—I just need you to fix it ASAP.

See also: before, happen, time

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