食くえない

expression, i-adjective

shrewd; cunning; crafty

Describes a person who is worldly-wise, not easily fooled, and often a bit sly. Used in expressions like 食えない奴.

• あの男おとこはなかなか食くえない。

  That guy is pretty shrewd.

• 彼かれは食くえない笑えみを浮うかべた。

  He gave a cunning smile.

expression, i-adjective

inedible; uneatable

Literal meaning: cannot be eaten, usually because it is spoiled, poisonous, or not meant for consumption.

• このキノコは毒どくがあって食くえない。

  This mushroom is poisonous and inedible.

expression, i-adjective

unable to make a living; cannot support oneself

Figurative extension of the literal meaning: unable to earn enough to eat or survive. Often used in the phrase 食えないこともない (can just about get by).

• この給きゅう料りょうでは食くえない。

  I can't make a living on this salary.

• フリーランスでも食くえないことはない。

  Even as a freelancer, I can just about get by.