sooner or later

Idioms  

1. Eventually, at some unspecified future time, as in Sooner or later we'll have to answer that letter, or It's bound to stop raining sooner or later. This term, which generally implies that some future event is certain to happen, was first recorded in 1577.

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Example Sentences

But most experts and analysts think these technical and other issues will be resolved sooner or later — and probably sooner.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

But after seeing her set at the festival, at least one reporter anticipates that, sooner or later, being a Times journalist might become the real side gig.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Netflix is the utility streamer, where all producers want their shows to turn up sooner or later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

But even if help is not on its way, Iranians know that they will come out again sooner or later, having learned a few lessons from the most recent spate of protests.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

“It was going to happen sooner or later, in any case,” Eleanor said.

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson

Related Words

• eventually
• someday
• sometime