when you are not allowed or do not have the power to do something► can't/cannot · "I really want to see that movie." "You can't. You're not old enough."can't/cannot do something · The manager can't fire you for being pregnant.· Members of the public cannot enter the building unless they have an identity card.· In those days a woman could not divorce her husband except in the most extreme cases.
► not be able to do something use this when a law or rule does not allow someone to do something: · If you don't have a library card, you won't be able to borrow any books.· You won't be able to get back into the country without your passport.
► not have the power to do something/it is not in your power to do something to be unable to do something because your job does not give you the authority or right to do it: · It is not in her power to increase your salary, but she can recommend it.· Individual states do not have the power to declare war.
► not be in a position to do something to be unable to do something because you do not have the authority or the moral right to do it: · The agency is not in a position to negotiate or make decisions.
► be out of somebody's hands/be no longer in somebody's hands if a problem or situation is out of someone's hands , they are no longer responsible for dealing with it because it has been taken over by someone with more power, or because it must now be decided according to the law: · The matter is out of our hands now - we'll just have to wait to see what the judge decides.· It's no longer in my hands, I'm afraid - I've sent a report about your son's behaviour to the police.
► somebody's hands are tied if someone's hands are tied they cannot do what they want because of particular conditions or rules made by someone else: · The company's hands are tied because of government regulations.· I'd like to help you, but you missed the deadline. I'm afraid my hands are tied.
► powerless unable to control or stop something because you do not have the power or legal right to do this: · The average citizen feels completely powerless faced with the rising tide of crime and violence.powerless to do something: · Although we all thought the decision was unfair, we were powerless to change it.powerless against: · Citizens imprisoned for their political beliefs are powerless against the government.
► ineligible if you are ineligible to take part in something or to receive something, you do not have the legal right to do this: · Police found that many of the people on the list were ineligible voters.ineligible for: · People with higher incomes are ineligible for the government benefits.ineligible to do something: · Because he no longer lives in the district, he is ineligible to run for re-election.
not allowed to have or do something because of a law or rule OPP eligibleineligible for
Temporary workers are ineligible for the pension scheme.ineligible to do something