あれよあれよといううちに

expression

while looking on in blank amazement; before one knows it

Describes a situation where events unfold so quickly or unexpectedly that the observer can only watch in stunned disbelief, often with a sense of helplessness or surprise. Used adverbially.

See also: あれよあれよ

• あれよあれよという内うちに、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内うちに、火ひは家いえ全ぜん体たいに広ひろがった。

  While we looked on in shock, the fire spread throughout the entire house.