泣なきべそをかく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

be about to cry; be close to tears; whimper

Describes a state where someone, especially a child, is on the verge of crying, often with a trembling or pouting expression. The phrase is idiomatic and commonly used in everyday speech.

• 叱しかられた子こ供どもが泣なきべそをかいている。

  The scolded child is on the verge of tears.

• 彼かれは悔くやしくて泣なきべそをかいた。

  He was so frustrated that he almost cried.