泣なきべそ

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.

• 叱しかられた子こ供どもは泣なきべそをかいていた。

  The scolded child was on the verge of tears.