could/can do without something

could do without (something)

Do not want something to happen or continue. To "do without" is to forgo something, so the phrase is an ironic understatement. I'm already running late, so I could sure do without a traffic jam this morning! I could do without the criticism, please. Yes, I know I was wrong. I could do without all the teasing, though.

See also: could, without

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

could/can do withˈout something

(spoken) not want something, for example criticism, advice or complaints: I could do without him telling me what to say all the time. ♢ I could have done without her ringing me up just as I was about to go out.

See also: can, could, something, without

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