can't help something
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!
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.
See also: help
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
can’t help (doing) something
,can’t help but do something
not be able to avoid or resist doing something: A kleptomaniac is a person who can’t help stealing things. ♢ ‘I’m sorry, I can’t help it,’ she said, bursting into tears. ♢ He’s a bit of a fool, but you can’t help but like him.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017