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だけではすまない

It will not end with just that / That alone is not enough; further consequences are unavoidable.

This grammar expresses that a certain action or situation will cause additional results, often negative, serious, or unavoidable, beyond what is mentioned.

N1

Meaning

It will not end with just that / That alone is not enough; further consequences are unavoidable.

This grammar expresses that a certain action or situation will cause additional results, often negative, serious, or unavoidable, beyond what is mentioned.

Formation

Verb (plain form) + だけではすまない
Noun + だけではすまない

Explanation

だけではすまない is used when one action, mistake, or situation cannot be resolved by that action alone and will inevitably lead to further consequences.

Key idea:

  • “Doing X won’t be enough”

  • “X will not finish things”

  • “There will be more impact, responsibility, or damage”

This grammar strongly implies:

  • The result is not light or simple

  • The speaker expects additional outcomes, such as:

    • punishment

    • criticism

    • social consequences

    • financial loss

    • legal responsibility

Important nuance:

  • The speaker does not list the consequences explicitly

  • The listener is expected to understand that something serious will follow

This expression is commonly used in:

  • news articles

  • warnings

  • policies

  • formal writing

  • JLPT N1 reading passages