〜ないではすまない

Pattern
〜ないではすまない
Level
N1
Reading
ないではすまない
Meaning
Cannot get away with it; must face consequences.
Attaches to
ない-form
Nuance & register

Implies an unavoidable negative outcome or consequence.

Example

不正を働いたのだから、罰を受けないではすまないだろう。 Since you acted improperly, you probably can't get away with it and will face punishment.

Easily confused with

〜ないわけにはいかない (cannot avoid doing something, implies a moral obligation)

More from Grammar Points