HSK 7
X也X不⋯⋯，Y也Y不⋯⋯
X yě X bù ⋯ ⋯ ， Y yě Y bù ⋯ ⋯
The structure 'X cannot X, Y cannot Y'
Explanation
X也X不⋯⋯，Y也Y不⋯⋯ is a fixed colloquial structure using two repeated verbs together with a negative potential complement (a component after the verb indicating inability to do it), emphasizing that neither X nor Y can be carried out, usually caused by a psychological state or a hopeless circumstance.
verb X + 也 (yě, also) + X + 不 (bù, not) + complement (such as 下/着/走/住), then repeat the same frame for verb Y; e.g. 吃也吃不下 (can't even eat it down), 睡也睡不着 (can't even fall asleep).
in spoken language, when lamenting a dilemma in which nothing can be done successfully; the two clauses are usually two parallel or opposite actions.
forgetting the character 也 between the two repetitions of the verb; forming the potential complement incorrectly (it must be verb + 不 + complement, as in 吃不下, and one does not say "不吃下"); stating only clause X while omitting clause Y, which loses the emphatic parallel balance.
Examples
Mom is still in a state of worry — she can't even eat, and she can't fall asleep either.
The relationship between parents and children is just like this: drive them away and you can't drive them off, keep them and you can't keep them.
Practice
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Learn “X也X不⋯⋯，Y也Y不⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “X也X不⋯⋯，Y也Y不⋯⋯” (The structure 'X cannot X, Y cannot Y') is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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