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Formation: V-ない stem + ずにはすまない (する→せずにはすまない); V-ない + ではすまない; also ずにはすまされない

Says that, given the situation or social and moral expectations, it will not be acceptable to leave something undone; one is bound to have to apologise, pay, explain or take responsibility. The tone is of obligation imposed by circumstances, not by personal desire. It is formal and mostly written, though it is also heard in serious speech. Compare 〜ざるを得ない, a more general 'have no choice but to', and 〜わけにはいかない, which is more conversational. 〜ずにはおかない is different: it is about something inevitably causing a reaction, or about strong resolve. Do not confuse it with N + ではすまない (e.g. 謝罪だけではすまない), which means 'it won't end with just N'.

Variants: ないではすまない、ずにはすまされない、ずにはすまないだろう

Examples

• 借りた本をなくしたのだから、弁償せずにはすまない。
  Since I lost the book I borrowed, I'll have to pay for it.
• 部長に知られた以上、正直に話さずにはすまないだろう。
  Now that the manager knows, I'll probably have to come clean.
• これだけの被害を出せば、会社は責任を問われずにはすまない。
  After causing this much damage, the company will inevitably be held responsible.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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