noun
on the verge of tears; about to cry
Describes a facial expression where someone is holding back tears, often with a trembling lip or scrunched face. Common in phrases like 泣きべそをかく.
叱られた子供は泣きべそをかいていた。
The scolded child was on the verge of tears.
彼女は悔しくて泣きべそになった。
She was so frustrated she almost cried.