Idioms add color and depth to our language, expressing complex ideas in a few words. Today, we’re diving into 20 popular idioms that feature the word “can’t.” These expressions often highlight limitations, impossibilities, or the need for caution in various situations. Whether you’re looking to understand native speakers better or want to spice up your own speech, these idioms will provide valuable insights into everyday English usage.
Idioms with Can’t
1. Can’t Hold a Candle To
Meaning: Not as good as something else.
Example: His cooking can’t hold a candle to yours.
2. Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Meaning: Not to judge something by its appearance.
Example: He may look rough, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.
3. Can’t Cut the Mustard
Meaning: Not able to meet the required standard.
Example: He can’t cut the mustard in this job.
4. Can’t Take It with You
Meaning: You can’t take possessions with you when you die.
Example: Spend wisely, you can’t take it with you.
5. Can’t Win for Losing
Meaning: Continually failing, no matter the effort.
Example: Even with extra work, she can’t win for losing.
6. Can’t Make Heads or Tails of It
Meaning: Unable to understand something at all.
Example: I can’t make heads or tails of these instructions.
7. Can’t See the Forest for the Trees
Meaning: Missing the big picture by focusing on details.
Example: He’s missing the deadline, can’t see the forest for the trees.
8. Can’t Stand
Meaning: Extremely dislike something.
Example: I can’t stand the taste of cilantro.
9. Can’t Help But
Meaning: Unable to stop oneself from doing something.
Example: I can’t help but laugh at his jokes.
10. Can’t Buy Love
Meaning: Love can’t be purchased with money.
Example: He’s wealthy but lonely; truly, you can’t buy love.
11. Can’t Get a Word in Edgeways
Meaning: Unable to join a conversation due to others talking.
Example: At dinner, I can’t get a word in edgeways.
12. Can’t Go Wrong
Meaning: A decision that will surely be good.
Example: With chocolate cake, you can’t go wrong.
13. Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Meaning: You can’t have all possible benefits at once; there’s a trade-off.
Example: He wants both cars, but can’t have your cake and eat it too.
14. Can’t Hear Myself Think
Meaning: Too noisy to concentrate.
Example: Turn down the music; I can’t hear myself think!
15. Can’t Bear
Meaning: Unable to tolerate something.
Example: I can’t bear the thought of losing.
16. Can’t Say Fairer Than That
Meaning: Acknowledging a fair offer.
Example: You offered to help, can’t say fairer than that.
17. Can’t For the Life of Me
Meaning: Completely unable to do something.
Example: I can’t for the life of me solve this puzzle.
18. Can’t Quite Place It
Meaning: Unable to remember or recognize something.
Example: I know her face, but I can’t quite place it.
19. Can’t Keep Up
Meaning: Unable to match the pace or understand fully.
Example: This class is fast; I can’t keep up.
20. Can’t Throw Stones
Meaning: Shouldn’t criticize others if you have similar flaws.
Example: He cheats too, so he can’t throw stones.
