〜そばから

Meaning

Indicates that no matter what one does, a situation immediately and repeatedly negates it. Mostly used for the frustrating situation where effort goes to waste.

Examples

片づけるそばから、子どもが部屋を散らかしていく。 As fast as I tidy up, the children make a mess of the room again.
稼ぐそばから使ってしまい、一向に貯金が増えない。 He spends money as fast as he earns it, so his savings never grow.