after the dictionary form of a verb means "can't very well do it": nothing physically stops you, but your duty, your position or what people would think rules it out. The polite form is
.
、。
I have an important meeting tomorrow, so I can't afford to be late.
、。
I can't very well say that in front of a customer.
わけにはいかない or できない
The potential form and say you are unable to do something. わけにはいかない says you could, but it would be wrong to.
、。
My leg hurts, so I can't run.
、。
The children are asleep, so I can't very well go out.
- × 足が痛くて、走るわけにはいかない → 足が痛くて、走れない
After the ない-form the meaning flips to "can't not do it", "have no choice but to". That use has its own point, .
、。
Since I was invited, I have no choice but to go.
Usage notes
These go beyond the plain "can't very well".
わけにもいかない
With in place of は, one option is already out and this one is too, so the speaker is stuck.
、。
I've caught a cold, but I can't exactly take the day off either.
わけにいかない
In speech the は often drops, with no change in meaning.
。
I can't very well say no at this point.
Lingaku