couldn't/can't say
idiom
—used to say that someone does not know the answer to something
"When will you be done?" "I couldn't/can't say."
Examples of couldn't/can't say in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, a Detroit Lions plate can't say TERRBL.
—
Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 13 Aug. 2024
When asked what would convince him that votes were properly counted, Etheridge couldn't say.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 19 July 2024
That's really a perfectly reasonable position to take, but Trump can't say anything bad about anybody who says anything nice about him.
—Washington Post Live, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
The rocket's guidance system appeared to function normally, something that ESA officials couldn't say after the Ariane 5 rocket's disastrous first flight in 1996, which ended in an explosion.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024
Four other teens, ages 15 to 18, were also inside the vehicle and a firearm was recovered, although Norman couldn't say definitively last week if it was fired.
—Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 25 June 2024
Bernthal and Angle married in 2010 and have three children together
Most couples can't say Willie Nelson impacted their relationship — but Jon Bernthal and Erin Angle can.
—Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024
Dan Stevens couldn't say no to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
That's why Taylor couldn't say no when presented with the opportunity to tell Emma's (and Dexter's) story on the small screen.
—Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2024
Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 13 Aug. 2024
When asked what would convince him that votes were properly counted, Etheridge couldn't say.
—Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 19 July 2024
That's really a perfectly reasonable position to take, but Trump can't say anything bad about anybody who says anything nice about him.
—Washington Post Live, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
The rocket's guidance system appeared to function normally, something that ESA officials couldn't say after the Ariane 5 rocket's disastrous first flight in 1996, which ended in an explosion.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024
Four other teens, ages 15 to 18, were also inside the vehicle and a firearm was recovered, although Norman couldn't say definitively last week if it was fired.
—Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 25 June 2024
Bernthal and Angle married in 2010 and have three children together
Most couples can't say Willie Nelson impacted their relationship — but Jon Bernthal and Erin Angle can.
—Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024
Dan Stevens couldn't say no to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
That's why Taylor couldn't say no when presented with the opportunity to tell Emma's (and Dexter's) story on the small screen.
—Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'couldn't/can't say.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near couldn't/can't say
Cite this Entry
“Couldn't/can't say.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/couldn%27t%2Fcan%27t%20say. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share