"Too soon"

[Tamara]

Hi

Not a minute too soon.

Could you rephrase it, making a bit simpler for non-native
and give a couple of examples of (adequate) use of the phrase in a context?

'Not a minute'… hmm...
But can I say 'not too soon' or 'none too soon?'
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

An example as requested:

Water had been pouring out of the pipe for at least ten minutes and had almost flooded the kitchen and as the plumber arrived, we all said: Welcome,you've arrived not a minute too soon!

This means just at the right time.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story French or English?

[Tamara]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the response.

Just recently Amy has given an explanation for just in the nick of time and the not a minute too soon in your explanation seems to be exactly the same.
OK.

But what about none too soon?
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

All these expressions are in the same field of meaning. None too soon is often added as a comment rather than being part of a sentence. Back to our friend, the plumber. When he arrives, somebody might simply say: And none too soon, rather in the same spirit as better late than never or about time, too.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Communicating with you?