can but hope en · VERB
Etymology
Ellipsis of can do nothing but hope or can do naught but hope.
Meanings
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(UK, dated, no-past-participle, no-present-participle) 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.
We can but hope that he returns alive.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| can but hope | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| could but hope | Tense=Past | lexicographic |