The Five Definitions (at least) of “I Can’t Look!”

Definition #5: What Someone Says, Post-Neck Surgery

You might not guess exactly how versatile the expression, “I can’t look!” is.

That is, until you literally can’t look, thanks to recent neck surgery (mine – ouch!).

Here are the other definitions I’m aware of:

One. “I can’t bear to watch (someone — or something) come to harm.”

What spectators say when the amateur juggler starts twirling razor-sharp machetes. Example #2: at the movies (remember those?), before the homicidal clown jumps out of the bushes. Example #3: Chicago Cubs fans going into the bottom of the ninth of a playoff game with the opposing team’s tie runner at bat.

Two. “It’s physically dangerous to look.” Friend #1 during the solar eclipse: “Wow! Would ‘ja look at the sun’s corona?!?” Friend #2: I can’t, I’ll hurt my eyes.”

Three. “I’m busy/preoccupied right now.” Four-year old girl (plaintively): “Tommy (older brother) wrecked my dollhouse!” Mother: “I can’t look (right now) — I’m in the middle of preparing dinner.”

Four. “I can’t handle the emotional pain.” What onlookers said when 3 year-old JFK Jr. saluted his father’s passing casket.

Five. What says someone says, post-neck surgery (me, recently):  Laura Kaplan (wife/driver of car) at four-way stop: “Is there anyone coming from the right?” Ross Kaplan (husband/passenger): “I don’t know — I can’t (physically) look.”

Thankfully, after a few weeks of pain meds, rest, and ice, now I CAN look.

Next milestone: resuming driving.

See also, “The Multiple Meanings of “Watch Your Back!”“; ““Take it Outside”: the ORIGINAL Meaning“; “You Take the Cake!” (& Other Ruined Expressions)”; “The Multiple Meanings of “What Do You Know?!?”; and ““Shut Up!” Has 9 Different Meanings? Shut Up!! (No, YOU Shut Up!).”



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