no can do

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.

Example Sentences

To quote Hall & Oates, “I can’t go for that. No can do.”

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“I was told by the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, ‘Sorry, no can do,’” he said.

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No can do, said British Airways.

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Then he said: 'No can do boss, the water's too cold.'

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Language such as "no can do," "spirit animal," and separating groups based on certain colors is "racist" or culturally appropriative.

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Related Words

• helpless 
• impotent 
• inadequate 
• incapable 
• not able 
• powerless 
• sidelined www.thesaurus.com
• unfit 
• weak