no can do

Idioms and Phrases

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

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

From Seattle Times

No can do, said British Airways.

From Washington Post

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

From BBC

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

From Fox News

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

Related Words

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