許可・義務N2
〜てはいられない
cannot afford to keep... / can't remain...
Structure
V-て形 + はいられない
Explanation
Indicates that one has no time or mood to continue the current state and must act. Attached to the te-form of verbs (e.g., ゆっくり休んではいられない), often with a sense of urgency.
Examples
試験が近いので、のんびり遊んではいられない。
The exam is coming up, so I can't afford to play around.
大事な会議があるから、風邪で休んではいられない。
There's an important meeting, so I can't take time off for a cold.
Note
Similar to てばかりはいられない, but てはいられない more directly means "can't keep up the current state".