can't help

Idioms  

1. Also,. Be unable to do otherwise. For example, I can't help thinking that the keys will turn up eventually, or He couldn't help but believe he would pass the entrance exam, or I cannot but applaud his efforts. The first of these phrases, can't help, is always followed by a present participle whereas the others take an infinitive. [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

“The parents can’t help it. They’re going to get something,” Kharasch said.

From MarketWatch

For Nick Vaquero, the emergency management employee who pushed for the alert before the Eaton fire started, he can’t help but wonder how an earlier alert — even one that wasn’t a traditional evacuation warning — might have helped residents prepare.

From Los Angeles Times

One can’t help but wonder what is motivating her at this point.

From Salon

But Robicheau can't help feeling anxious about her future and whether she will be able to continue working in a public school while being visibly Muslim in Quebec.

From BBC

There’s a big difference between saying, “We can’t help you,” and telling him, “We can’t give money, but we will help you figure this out.”

From MarketWatch