cannot help doing

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.
See also: help
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cannot help doing something

not able to refrain from doing something; not able not to do something. Anne is such a good cook, I can't help eating everything she serves. Since John loves to shop, he can't help spending money.
See also: cannot, help
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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