not before time

(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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not before time

used to convey that something now happening or about to happen should have happened earlier.
See also: before, not, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (and) not before time!
  • about time too
  • (it's) (a)bout time
  • about time
  • no fox given
  • any fool can/could...
  • any fool could (do something)
  • boom goes the dynamite
  • dynamite
  • something else again
References in periodicals archive
With all that tartan she has used over the years it's surely not before time...
dressed in the dark
Not before time, the BBC has told people not to focus on social Unfortunately, The Great British Bake Off can serve as a reminder of sexist attitudes as stuck as that Bourbon mix on Jordan's ungreased baking tray.
Not before time, the BBC has now issued guidance to people featuring on prime-time TV shows, telling them not to "read, engage with or focus on" negative comments they receive on social media and also not to use foul language themselves.
If only we could turn the tables on those who become abusive online
Pensioners' representatives welcomed the cuts, but said they were "not before time".
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.
Bloodstock briefing: Future is bright for Time Ahead