追おいつ追おわれつ

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

cat-and-mouse race; lead changing hands repeatedly

Describes a close contest where the lead keeps switching back and forth, like a chase where the pursuer and pursued constantly swap roles. Often used for races, games, or competitive situations.

• マラソンは最さい後ごまで追おいつ追おわれつの展てん開かいだった。

  The marathon was a cat-and-mouse race right to the end.

• 両りょうチームの得とく点てんは追おいつ追おわれつで、試し合あいは延えん長ちょう戦せんにもつれ込こんだ。

  The lead changed hands many times between the two teams, and the game went into extra innings.