help (redirected from helping off)

God/Heaven help someone

1. something that you say in order to warn someone that they may be hurt or punished. Heaven help you if your father catches you wearing his best jacket!

2. something that you say when you are worried about someone who is in a very dangerous or unpleasant situation. God help anyone who has to be outdoors on a dreadful night like this!

See also: god, heaven

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can't help something

to not be able to control or stop something. A lot of kids daydream in school. They just can't help it.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form can't help but do something: I couldn't help but notice that the table is a bit wobbly.

See also: can't

(not) if you can help it

when you are able to prevent it. No one sails at this time of year if they can help it.

See also: can

so help me (God)

this is the truth. That was one of the most frightening sights of my life, so help me. You look at me when I'm talking to you or, so help me God, I'll hit you.

Usage notes: used for very strong emphasis, as in the examples