1.
giving up without recourse, accepting defeat/loss meekly
Accepting an unfair or unjust situation without fighting back or seeking redress, because one feels powerless or sees no way to resolve it. Literally "crying oneself to sleep."
泣き寝入りするしかなかった。
I had no choice but to accept it and move on.
被害者が泣き寝入りしないように支援する。
We provide support so that victims don't have to suffer in silence.
詐欺に遭っても泣き寝入りせず、警察に届けてください。
Even if you fall victim to fraud, don't just accept it — report it to the police.
USAGE:
Typically used with する: 泣き寝入りする (to give up without fighting back). Often appears in negative contexts urging people not to accept injustice passively: 泣き寝入りしないで (don't just take it lying down).
The literal image is of crying yourself to sleep — accepting something painful because you feel there is nothing you can do about it.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 泣き寝入りする: to give up without recourse
- 泣き寝入りしない: to not accept it meekly
- 泣き寝入りするしかない: to have no choice but to accept it
- 泣き寝入りさせない: to not let someone suffer in silence