わけにはいかない (wakenihaikanai)

unable to bring oneself to do; no way one can do

Meaning & usage

わけにはいかない expresses that something is impossible or cannot be done, often for social or practical reasons. It follows a verb in its plain form, typically the dictionary form, as in 知る, 認める, or させる. The phrase わけにはいかない itself stays unchanged regardless of politeness level.

Example sentences 8