手てがない

expression, i-adjective

understaffed; short-handed; not enough workers

Describes a situation where there are not enough people to do the work. Often used in business or event contexts.

• 今日きょうはアルバイトが休やすんでいて手てがない。

  We're short-handed today because a part-timer is off.

• 忙いそがしい時じ期きなのに手てがなくて困こまっている。

  Even though it's a busy period, we're understaffed and struggling.

expression, i-adjective

have no way to deal with; have no options; can't do anything about

Expresses that one has exhausted all possible means and there is nothing more one can do. Often used with a sense of resignation.

• ここまで来くるともう手てがない。

  At this point, there's nothing more we can do.

• 彼かれを説せっ得とくする手てがない。

  I have no way to persuade him.

expression, i-adjective

no reason not to; might as well; why not

Used after a negative verb form (〜ない) to mean 'there is no reason not to do something' or 'one can't afford not to'. Often carries a nuance of strong recommendation or inevitability.

• こんなにおいしい料りょう理りを食たべない手てがない。

  There's no reason not to eat such delicious food.

• 彼かれが誘さそってくれたんだから、行いかない手てがないよ。

  Since he invited me, I can't afford not to go.