VにVない

Meaning

The same verb is repeated in the form 「〜に〜ない」 to express a dilemma-like state of "wanting to do it but being unable to." It shows the distress of being blocked from acting due to circumstances. It takes the dictionary form ＋「に」＋ the negative-potential form of the same verb, used as 「泣くに泣けない」「言うに言えない」. The characteristic is repeating the same verb.

Examples

あまりの出来事に、泣くに泣けない。 At such an event, I couldn't cry even if I wanted to.
事情が事情だけに、言うに言えない。 Given the circumstances, I can't bring myself to say it.
ここまで来たら、引くに引けない。 Having come this far, I can't back out now even if I wanted to.
帰るに帰れず、駅で夜を明かした。 Unable to go home, I spent the night at the station.