no sooner...than...

no sooner (do something) than (do something else)

One action had just concluded when something else happened or began. No sooner had I wrapped up the meeting than everyone bolted from their seats. She had no sooner taken the meal out of the oven than someone started knocking at the door.See also: no, something, sooner

no sooner...than...

(written) used to show that one thing, which is unexpected, happens immediately after another thing: No sooner had she got in the bath than the front door bell rang.See also: no