not before time


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(and) not before time!

An expression used to emphasize that something should have occurred a long time ago. They're finally hiring some extra help around here, and not before time—another one of my employees resigned today. A: "Dinner's ready!" B: "Not before time. I'm starving."
See also: before, not

not before time

used to convey that something now happening or about to happen should have happened earlier.
See also: before, not, time
References in periodicals archive ?
John Berry, secretary of the North East Pensioners' Association, said: "I think if it stays that way it will be excellent, but it's not before time.
Delight as gas is cut by 10%; OAPS HAIL MOVE
She is by Spectrum out of the Polish Precedent mare Not Before Time, and is thus a half-sister to 2001 Group 3 Musidora Stakes winner Time Away.
Not Before Time is out of outstanding racemare Time Charter, whose other foals include Zinaad - sire of Kazzia - and the ill-fated Time Allowed (by Sadler's Wells), both winners of the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes.
Bloodstock briefing: Future is bright for Time Ahead
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