informal 5K

You can't sweep that

🇬🇧 UK //jʊ kɑːnt swiːp ðæt// 🇺🇸 US //jʊ kænt swiːp ðæt//

Meaning of You can't sweep that

A statement emphasizing that an issue cannot be ignored.

In simple words: You cannot ignore or avoid that issue.

You can't sweep that in a sentence

• You can't sweep that under the rug; it's a serious problem.
• If we don't talk about it, you can't sweep that away!
• Stop trying to sweep that; we need to face the reality.
• She thought she could just sweep that under the carpet, but we all saw it.
• You can't sweep that nonsense aside if you want to fix things.

How to use You can't sweep that

Used in casual conversations to indicate that something must be acknowledged or dealt with. It’s often said when someone tries to overlook a problem.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine trying to sweep dirt under a rug but it still shows.

Related words

Collocations with You can't sweep that

• sweep under the rug
• sweep aside concerns
• sweep away issues

Synonyms for You can't sweep that

• ignore
• dismiss
• avoid
• overlook
• neglect

Common mistakes with You can't sweep that

• Confused about the context; might use in formal situations.
• Misunderstands the meaning; thinks it literally refers to cleaning.

Frequently asked questions about You can't sweep that

What does You can't sweep that mean?

You cannot ignore or avoid that issue.

What is the definition of You can't sweep that?

A statement emphasizing that an issue cannot be ignored.

How do you use You can't sweep that in a sentence?

You can't sweep that under the rug; it's a serious problem.

Can you give another example of You can't sweep that?

If we don't talk about it, you can't sweep that away!

What are synonyms for You can't sweep that?

Common alternatives include ignore, dismiss, avoid, overlook, neglect.

What words go with You can't sweep that?

It commonly pairs with sweep under the rug, sweep aside concerns, sweep away issues.

What are common mistakes when using You can't sweep that?

Confused about the context; might use in formal situations. Misunderstands the meaning; thinks it literally refers to cleaning.

How do you pronounce You can't sweep that?

US: //jʊ kænt swiːp ðæt//, UK: //jʊ kɑːnt swiːp ðæt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is You can't sweep that formal or informal?

"You can't sweep that" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use You can't sweep that?

Used in casual conversations to indicate that something must be acknowledged or dealt with. It’s often said when someone tries to overlook a problem.