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can't help

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When I think of people piling into funds with hot recent returns, I can’t help seeing this early engraving in my mind’s eye.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

And then — because I can’t help myself — a whisper of cardamom.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

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 • Mar. 21, 2026

She’s trying hard to look furious, but the gesture is so funny that I can’t help giggling.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023