# can’t afford to do sth

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cant-afford-to-do-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this when you must not do something because it would cause serious problems or bad results.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.