can’t afford sth Meaning

Definition:

“Can’t afford something” is a phrase that means one does not have enough money, resources, or capability to bear the cost of something, either financially or in terms of time or effort.

Etymology:

The word “afford” comes from the Old English “āforan,” which means to “provide” or “make oneself able to.” Over time, it evolved through Middle English to mean being in a situation or position where one has the means to give, provide, or sustain something. Thus, the phrase “can’t afford” indicates an inability to provide or sustain something.

Literal and Figurative Uses:

• Literal Use: In a financial context, saying one “can’t afford” means not having enough money for a purchase.

  • Example: “I can’t afford to buy that car because it’s too expensive.”

• Figurative Use: The phrase can also be used outside of monetary contexts, such as in relation to time or emotional investment.

  • Example: “After such a long day, I can’t afford to spend another hour on this project.” This implies that the speaker doesn’t have the emotional or physical energy left to dedicate more time to it.

Common Phrases or Idioms Featuring the Term:

• “I can’t afford to lose” – signifying that losing something is too costly, not just in a monetary sense.
• “Can’t afford the luxury” – implies that one cannot indulge in something nice because it is not pragmatic at that moment.

Contextual Usage & Example Sentences:

1. “Sadly, I can’t afford to go on vacation this year due to unexpected expenses.”
2. “The latest smartphone is appealing, but I can’t afford it right now.”
3. “After the raise, she felt she could finally afford to buy a house.”
4. “He can’t afford to ignore his health any longer; he needs to start exercising.”
5. “With so many bills to pay, I can’t afford the extra subscription fees.”
6. “During the pandemic, many families felt they couldn’t afford luxuries such as dining out.”

Synonyms & Antonyms:

• Synonyms:

  • Cannot manage
  • Cannot support
  • Cannot sustain

• Antonyms:

  • Can manage
  • Can support
  • Can afford

This phrase is very versatile, applying to financial, emotional, and time-related contexts, making it a valuable expression to understand and use in various situations.

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