be all (one) could do (not) to (do something)
be all (one) could do (not) to (do something)
To be a struggle for one to (do something). The phrase often includes "not" when one is trying to avoid doing something. It was all I could do to keep from crying when the teacher yelled at me in front of the whole class. It was all I could do to not cry when the teacher yelled at me in front of the whole class.
See also: all, could
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
be all somebody can/could ˈdo (not) to do something
(informal) be very difficult (not) to do something: His face looked so funny that it was all she could do not to laugh.See also: all, can, could, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- (one) could use (something)
- as one door closes, another (one) opens
- as one door closes, another one opens
- as one door closes, another opens
- drive (one) out of office
- force (one) out of office
- force out of office
- give (one) (one's) head
- give head
- give somebody their head