Cannot afford to / Not possible to

This expression is used to indicate that one cannot do something due to a situation or condition.

Examples

• ここで泣くわけにはいかない。

  I can't afford to cry here.

• 仕事中に寝るわけにはいかない。

  I can't sleep while working.

• 試験の前に休むわけにはいかない。

  I can't rest before the exam.

Quick check

More N3 grammar

• in spite of

  N + にもかかわらず + sentence

• although

  N + ものの + sentence

• that said

  N + とはいえ + sentence

• while

  V-masu + ながらも + sentence

• not only... but also

  ～ばかりか + sentence

• not only... but also

  N + のみならず + sentence