Explanation
Expresses 'it can't be settled with just...', 'cannot be resolved merely by...'.
Formation
Noun + だけではすまない
Detailed explanation
「Noun + だけではすまない」indicates that simply doing or providing the noun is not sufficient to resolve or finish a matter. Something more is required.
Examples
Kono mondai wa shazai dake dewa sumanai.
This problem cannot be settled with just an apology.
Kanojo ga okotte iru kara, okashi o ageta dake dewa sumanai yo.
She’s angry, so just giving her sweets won't fix it.
Kono purojekuto no seikou wa doryoku dake dewa sumanai.
Success on this project cannot be achieved with mere effort.
Shikin choutatsu dake dewa sumanai, jissai no bijinesu puran mo hitsuyou da.
We can’t just finish with fundraising; we also need a real business plan.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.