you can't be half pregnant
Said of an either-or situation; there are only two available choices.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You either support the new plan or you don't; you can't be half pregnant.”
“You must decide whether to commit to this project fully because you can't be half pregnant with your professional responsibilities.”
“The committee demanded a definitive stance on the policy, reminding the hesitant director that in matters of ethics, one simply cannot be half pregnant.”
From the notion that a person is either pregnant or not, as the condition does not permit partiality.
- 01
all over hell's half acre
All over the place; everywhere.
- 02
baker's half dozen
Seven, a group of seven.
- 03
beggars can't be choosers
Something is better than nothing: those who can't provide for themselves should accept whatever help is available.
- 04
can't carry a tune in a bucket
Sings very badly.
- 05
can't get enough
Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.
- 06
can't help
To be unable to avoid a situation, or stop something from happening.
- 07
can't stand
cannot put up with
- 08
can't stand the sight of
To hate vehemently; to really despise.
Last updated August 10, 2026