expression
before one knows it; without noticing; unawares
Used when something happens or changes without the speaker being aware of it. Often implies a gradual or unnoticed process. Similar to 知らない間に, but うちに emphasizes the time frame during which the unnoticed event occurs.
See also: 知らない間に
知らないうちに雨が降り出していた。
Before I knew it, it had started raining.
知らないうちに、彼は部屋を出て行った。
He left the room without my noticing.