expression, adverb
before one could; in no time at all; without giving a chance
Fixed adverbial phrase used after a plain verb to mean that something happens so quickly or overwhelmingly that the other party has no opening to react. Often used in competitive or confrontational contexts.
相手は隙も与えず攻め込んできた。
The opponent attacked without giving us any opening.
彼は隙も与えずに質問に答えた。
He answered the question before one could even react.