no poder menos que
- Dictionary
USAGE NOTE
This phrase may also be written "no poder por menos que."
no poder menos que(
noh
poh
-
dehr
meh
-
nohs
keh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to have no alternative but to
Cuando salieron a la luz sus vínculos con la mafia, el ministro no pudo menos que dimitir.When his ties to the mob came to light, the minister had no alternative but to resign.
b. to just have to
Lo vi tan indefenso y necesitado de cariño que no pude menos que abrazarlo.I saw him so helpless and in need of affection that I just had to hug him.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me pedía favores continuamente, y al final no pude menos que sentirme utilizado.She kept asking me for favors, and eventually I couldn't help feeling used.
Ustedes se metieron en este lío por mi culpa, así que no puedo menos que ayudarlos a salir de él.You got into this mess because of me, so I feel I must help you out of it.
Examples
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