What it means
わけにはいかない expresses that a person cannot do something because of responsibilities, social expectations, practical circumstances, or the consequences of doing it. It is stronger and more context-dependent than simply saying that something is difficult or impossible. With a verb in the negative form, V-ないわけにはいかない means that the person cannot avoid doing it, so it expresses a strong obligation or “must.” The form is commonly used when the speaker feels bound by the situation rather than by a formal rule.
Usage note
Do not confuse わけにはいかない with わけではない. The first expresses an unavoidable restriction or obligation, while the second partially denies an interpretation and usually means “it is not that...” The polite counterpart is わけにはいきません, while the verb before it normally remains in plain form.
How to use it
明日は仕事を休むわけにはいきません。
I cannot take tomorrow off work.
私はこの仕事を引き受けないわけにはいきません。
I must accept this job.
明日は仕事を休むわけにはいかない。
I cannot take tomorrow off work.
私はこの仕事を引き受けないわけにはいかない。
I must accept this job.
