can't help but do



can't help but do something

[to be] unable to choose any but one course of action. (Also with cannot.) Her parents live nearby, so she can't help but go there on holidays. Bob is a tennis fan and can't help but travel to Wimbledon each year.
See also: but, help

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Alston['ɔ:lstən]
Katrina[kə'tri:nə]
Magnhild-Norwegian
Olufunmilayoo-loo-foo-mee-LIE-oWestern African, Yoruba
LizLIZEnglish
Josefinaho-se-FEE-nah (Spanish), zhoo-zə-FEE-nə (Portuguese), yoo-se-FEE-nah (Swedish)Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish