Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
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.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, dated, no-past-participle, no-present-participle
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Ellipsis of can do nothing but hope or can do naught but hope.
