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3. couldn't help it

couldn't help it

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(I) couldn't help it.

There was no way I could prevent it.; I was unable to prevent something from happening.; I was unable to control myself. Sally: You let the paint dry with brush marks in it. Mary: I couldn't help it. The telephone rang. Fred: You got fingerprints all over the window. Mary: Sorry. Couldn't help it.

See also: help