あれよあれよという間まに

expression

before one knew it; in the blink of an eye; while looking on in amazement

Describes a situation that unfolds surprisingly quickly, often leaving the speaker or observer stunned or unable to react. The phrase carries a nuance of bewildered amazement at how fast events progressed.

See also: あれよあれよ

• あれよあれよという間まに、彼かれは社しゃ長ちょうにまで出しゅっ世せした。

  Before anyone knew it, he had risen all the way to company president.

• あれよあれよという間まに、火ひは家いえ全ぜん体たいに広ひろがった。

  In the blink of an eye, the fire spread throughout the entire house.