曾几何时 [- jǐ hé shí]only a short while ago; before long; it was not long before ...; in none too lengthy period; not long afterwards [after]; not long since:
•¶ 猖獗一时的反革命匪帮，曾几何时， 遭到了彻底覆灭。 The counterrevolutionary gang was on the rampage for a time, but before long it was completely overthrown.