can't help (doing something)
1. To have a compulsion to do something that is too strong to ignore or avoid. We can't help intervening here, before you throw your life away on drugs! My mom can't help meddling in my love life, even though I'm 30 years old! It's like Holly just can't help pointing out every little thing I do wrong in a day—it's so annoying!
2. To have no control over or be unable to avoid some action. I know you're irritated, but they couldn't help arriving late—the whole city is locked in a traffic jam. I know it's silly, but I can't help feeling like I failed you somehow. I love you, and I can't help worrying about you when you're not here.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.