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抜き差しならない (ぬきさしならない) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
inextricably involved ; in a sticky situation ; unable to back out
Describes a situation where one is so deeply involved that withdrawing or escaping is impossible. Often used for relationships, conflicts, or commitments. The form 抜き差しならぬ is also common.
See also: 抜き差しならぬ
二人ふたり の 関かん 係けい は 抜ぬ き 差さ し なら ない ところ まで 来き て しまっ た 。
Their relationship has reached a point of no return.
Kanji 抜 slip out, extract, pull out 差 distinction, difference, variation Similar words 抜ぬ き 差さ しならぬ An alternative form with the classical negative ぬ instead of ない. Slightly more literary but essentially the same meaning.
後あと 戻もど りできない Means 'cannot go back' or 'irreversible'. More general and less idiomatic than 抜き差しならない, which emphasizes being trapped in a difficult involvement.
Etymology From 抜き差し (withdrawing and inserting, i.e., maneuvering) + ならない (cannot do). Literally 'cannot withdraw or insert', meaning one has no room to maneuver and is stuck.
