(I) would if I could

(I) would if I could

I would like to do whatever has been asked of me, but I am unable to. Sometimes used humorously or sarcastically. A: "Isn't there anything you can do to expedite our claim?" B: "I would if I could, really, but my hands are tied." A: "Hey, would you please clean out the gutters like I asked?" B: "Ah, sorry, would if I could, but I really must be going." You want me to babysit your kids? Ooh, would if I could, but I'm actually all booked up today.
See also: could, if
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(I) would if I could(, but I can't).

I simply can't do it. Jane: Can't you fix this yourself ? John: I would if I could, but I can't. Bob: Can you go to the dance? Hardly anyone is going. Alice: Would if I could.
See also: could, if
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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