(I) would if I could(, but I can't).

(I) would if I could(, but I can't).
(I) would if I could(, but I can't).
I simply can't do it. •

Jane: Can't you fix this yourself ? John: I would if I could, but I can't.

Bob: Can you go to the dance? Hardly anyone is going. Alice: Would if I could.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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