Grammar Info
N1 Lesson 10: 1/22

せずにはすまない
Won't get away without, Won't get off without, Have to, Have no choice but to, Can’t not

It is advisable to use ざるをえない or ないわけにはいかない or similar grammar points instead as this expression is not very common.

Structure
Verb[ない] + ずには + すまない
Verb[ない] + では + すまない

Exception:
する→せずにはすまない
Structure Legend  
Details
Register Formal
使用域 硬い
Information
  • (A) ずにはすまない is a formal written phrase, literally meaning that someone is "not going to get away without (A)". It is used when someone has to do something due to social norms, laws or customs. Reason for doing (A) is usually negatiive in some way.
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重要（じゅうよう）な会議（かいぎ）だから、間（ま）に合（あ）わないではすまない。
It's an important meeting, so I won't get away without making it on time.
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    • 彼（かれ）は相談（そうだん）もなく重要（じゅうよう）な道具（どうぐ）を廃棄（はいき）した。首（くび）にならずにはすまないだろう。
    He has scrapped an important tool without consultation. He won't get off without being fired.
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    • 私（わたし）は子犬（こいぬ）を助（たす）けるためとはいえ、無断（むだん）で車（くるま）の窓（まど）を破（やぶ）った。罰（ばつ）を受（う）けずにはすまないだろう。
    I broke the window of the car without permission, even though I was trying to save a puppy. I won't get away unpunished.
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