before you can say (something)

surprisingly quickly.

This bow shoots so fast, the arrow is in the target before you can say “gee whiz!”

Usage notes: often the word or phrase that follows before you can say is related to the situation you are talking about:

In summer, food goes bad before you can say “heat wave!”

Etymology: an older form of this expression is before you can say Jack Robinson

• it's not rocket science
• it's no use
• It's no use crying over spilt milk.
• it's no wonder
• it's now or never
• It's now or never.
• it's one thing after another
• It's one thing after another!
• It's raining cats and dogs!
• it's swings and roundabouts
• it stands to reason
• It's the same old story.
• it's the same old story
• It's the story of my life.
• it's too bad
• it's well worth it
• It's written in the stars.
• it's your funeral
• It takes all sorts
• It takes all sorts to make a world.
• it takes two to tango
• It takes two to tango.
• It was fun while it lasted.
• I've never [felt/heard/seen etc.] in all my born days!
• I've never [felt/heard/seen etc.] in all my days!