What does the "before long" mean?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Please read this, “The police will apprehend the culprit and convict him before long.”
I do not understand the meaning of the “before long”.Please help… thank you in advance.

2

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‘Before long’ means ‘soon’.
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3

“before long” means “in near future”

4

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In the near future also means soon, Nessie. :wink:
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5

Hi, Amy

Shall I take your post as a correction of Nessie’s “in near future”, or “in near future” is in use too? :? :wink:

6

Hi Alex

The word ‘the’ is necessary.
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7

Thank you for your help, and What I learned from you that is more than I thought…