Verb (ます-stem) + こそすれ

[Only does X; would never do the opposite]

Connection: Verb (ます-stem) + こそすれ / Noun + こそすれ

Usage: A strong literary expression meaning "it will only do X, and absolutely never the opposite." Used to emphatically deny the contrasting action. Always followed by a negative clause.

Examples:

彼の行動は称賛こそすれ、非難されるべきではない。(His actions deserve only praise, and should never be criticized.)

状況は悪化こそすれ、改善する見込みはない。(The situation will only worsen; there is no prospect of improvement.)

この薬は症状を緩和こそすれ、根本的な治療にはならない。(This medicine only alleviates the symptoms; it will never be a fundamental cure.)