Explanation
Cannot afford to only do something; cannot always rely on it.
Formation
Verb-て form + ばかりはいられない / Noun + ばかりはいられない (with appropriate particles)
Detailed explanation
The ～でばかりはいられない grammar point is used when one realizes they cannot keep doing only that one thing or cannot always rely on a certain situation. It implies the need to take other actions or responsibilities.
Examples
いつも助けてもらってばかりはいられない。
Itsumo tasukete moratte bakari wa irarenai.
I can’t just keep letting people help me all the time.
好きな仕事ばかりしてはいられない。
Suki na shigoto bakari shite wa irarenai.
I can’t afford to only do the work I love.
親に頼ってばかりはいられない。
Oya ni tayotte bakari wa irarenai.
I can’t keep depending on my parents forever.
休んでばかりはいられない。仕事もしなくちゃ。
Yasunde bakari wa irarenai. Shigoto mo shinakucha.
I can’t just keep taking breaks; I have work to do as well.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.