ないことはない

The expression ないことはない is a double negative construction that literally means "it is not the case that (something) is not ~." It is used to weakly affirm something – acknowledging that something is possible or true, but with hesitation, reservations, or conditions attached. It often translates to "it's not that I can't…," "it's not impossible to…," or "I wouldn't say it isn't…"

Reluctant affirmation

The most common use of ないことはない is to express that something is the case, but only partially or reluctantly. The speaker avoids a direct "yes" and instead hedges their answer.

Here, the speaker is saying "I can, but…" – there is always an implied reservation.

Weak possibility

It can also express that something is not impossible, though perhaps unlikely or difficult.

With adjectives

ないことはない can also be used with adjectives in their negative forms.

Nuance

This pattern sounds indirect and reserved. It is frequently followed by けど, が, or けれど to introduce the speaker's real concern or condition. Compared to a straightforward affirmative statement, ないことはない downplays the degree of agreement – the speaker is saying "well, sort of" rather than a clear "yes."