Idiom
can't be arsed
Meanings
Not willing or motivated to do something; too lazy to make the effort.
Not bothered to engage with something because it feels annoying or not worth the effort.
Definition
Used to say you are too lazy, unmotivated, or unwilling to do something.
"Can't be arsed" is an informal, usually British expression meaning you don’t have the energy, motivation, or desire to do something. It often suggests laziness, boredom, or mild annoyance rather than a serious inability. It can sound rude or crude in polite situations, so it’s best used with friends or casually.
Examples
- I can't be arsed to cook tonight, so I'm ordering takeout.
- She can't be arsed to reply to group chats most of the time.
- We can't be arsed to argue about it anymore.
- He can't be arsed to clean his room unless guests are coming.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.