What it means
〇〇しかない expresses that there is no other available option, so the speaker must do 〇〇. It often conveys resignation or the feeling that the choices have become very limited. With a verb, use the dictionary form before しかない. The predicate is negative in form, but the overall meaning is affirmative: the only possible action is the one stated.
Usage note
Do not confuse 〇〇しかない with 〇〇だけない. For polite speech, replace しかない with しかありません while keeping the verb in dictionary form.
How to use it
明日までにレポートを提出するしかありません。
There is no choice but to submit the report by tomorrow.
明日までにレポートを提出するしかない。
There is no choice but to submit the report by tomorrow.
