# it can't be helped

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/it-cant-be-helped
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

It is inevitable. There is no alternative.

## Examples

- The train is delayed, but it can't be helped.
- We missed the last bus because of the storm, but it can't be helped.
- Although the sudden cancellation of the festival was deeply disappointing to the organizers, they accepted that it can't be helped given the severe weather warnings.

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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.