冥めい々めいのうち

expression

unawares; before one is aware; unconsciously

Literary phrase meaning something happens without one realizing it. Usually used as 冥々のうちに, often in written or formal contexts.

• 冥めい々めいのうちに時じ間かんが過すぎていた。

  Time had passed without my noticing.

• 彼かれは冥めい々めいのうちに悪わるい習しゅう慣かんが身みについてしまった。

  He unconsciously picked up a bad habit.