sure to happen at some time in the future.

If she wins next year's congressional race, it seems only a matter of time before she ends up running for the Senate.

Usage notes: usually used with only or just:

It's just a matter of time before prices for the newest computer come down.

• identify with someone
• identify with something
• I don't need this!
• I dread to think
• if all else fails
• If at first you don't succeed.
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try, and try again.
• if can help it
• If can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
• I feel it in my bones.
• if it ain't broke, don't fix it
• If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
• if it comes to the crunch
• if it weren't for
• if it weren't for someone
• if it weren't for something
• if knows what's good for
• if knows what's good for them
• If looks could kill...
• if memory serves
• If Mohammed will not go to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed.
• if need be
• if push comes to shove
• if someone knows what's good for
• if someone knows what's good for them