なあなあ
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
compromise; collusion; give and take; looking the other way
Describes a situation where people avoid conflict by tacitly agreeing not to enforce rules or criticize each other, often with a negative connotation of laxity or cronyism. Frequently used in the adverbial form なあなあで.
That department works in a lax, go-along-to-get-along way, so there are many mistakes.
Real problems won't be solved in a cozy, collusive relationship.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉をなあなあで済ませるto settle a matter through mutual leniency instead of proper resolution
They just let the problem slide instead of dealing with it properly.
- 〈事〉をなあなあにするto leave a matter unresolved through tacit mutual agreement
You mustn't sweep the company's wrongdoing under the rug.
- なあなあの関係a cozy, non-confrontational relationship where issues go unaddressed
The boss and his subordinate have fallen into a lax, no-criticism relationship.
- なあなあで手を打つto settle for a lenient compromise rather than push the issue
In the end, both sides settled for a soft compromise.