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can but hope

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

To be unable to do anything (about something) other than hope [with that (+ clause); or (informal) with clause; or with so or (negative) not]; especially with long odds.

UK, dated, no-past-participle, no-present-participle

Examples

“We can but hope⟳ that he returns alive.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

can do this all day can do with can haz can it can not can wait

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