no can do

Idioms  

1. It's impossible; I can't do this. For example, When Bill asked me to write a speech, I told him bluntly no can do. This colloquial phrase was first recorded in 1914.

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Example Sentences

But perhaps more than any other therapy, giving yourself permission to say no can do wonders for mental rehabilitation, experts say.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2022

Realize that "no shower" doesn't mean "no can do."

From US News • Jun. 9, 2016

"Obviously that brought about more red tape and safety concerns than imaginable. It was a simple no can do."

From The Verge • May 18, 2016

Can do, no can do, what fashion?" which translated into good Shakespearean English reads "Very bad.

From Time Magazine Archive

Every man in Great Britain, whether he possesses any actual vote or no, can do that which is tantamount to voting every day of his life by the mere expression of his opinion.

From North America — Volume 1 by Trollope, Anthony

Related Words

• helpless
• impotent
• inadequate
• incapable
• not able
• powerless
• sidelined
• unfit
• weak