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Can't walk in the tall grass

Idiom

Etymology:

Of Native American origin it describes the inability of a person to successfully walk through tall grass. Before colonization the great plains of North American were covered with large sections of tall grasses. Instead of going around acres of tall grass, people could walk straight through them.

The implication is that a capable adult is both tall enough to see above shoulder height tall grass and wise enough to navigate and form a path through tall grass that is above their head. Children and people that are not intelligent will get lost in the tall grass and need help to get out or even die.

Usually applied to a person, but could apply to a thing.

Similar to: If you can't handle the heat get out of the kitchen, shape up or ship out

1: transitive, present tense

a: Describing a person that cannot handle the situation they are in.

b: Describing a person that is not intelligent enough to figure out something that others easily can.

2: rhetorical question

Implying that the person being asked is not keeping up with the group or not able to handle the task they were given.
1a: "Jim can't walk in the tall grass. He got promoted to sergeant and just took a month long stress leave"

1b: "I've been training the new hire for a week now and she still can't figure out how to clock in.....she can't walk in the tall grass."

2: "Hey Ron, Jim was late and installed the wiring for 2 rooms today but you were here all day and barely got half of one done. Can't walk in the tall grass?"
by Babakanoosh March 30, 2022
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Women can't see water

means women require another medium to see themselves in. that medium is metaphorically water. they observe themselves so much through the lens of others, and they can no longer feel a sense of comfort when that medium is gone. like water, which u see ur reflection in, women cant see themselves for who they truly are and rely on these external mediums to see themselves in. women cant see water = women cant form an identity and see whats right in front of them in the simplest way - their beauty and who they are
by xlxsha May 5, 2025
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We can't be friends

And I won't ever have a relationship. But what these people are trying to turn that into is an overt form of of second class citizenry.
Hym "No we can't be friends. In the words of Arianna Grande "We can't be friends." Because the only reason were are lovers is the lack of a fat cock."
by Hym Iam October 19, 2025
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Battery Gay Brother Falure Can't Read

A stoned little ginger who is very good at not passing exams. Has a homosexual brother who many fear is passing the "Fag" virus to himself.
Battery Gay Brother Falure Can't Read, you spastic
by Captain OCD October 30, 2022
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can't relate

Expression used to manifest strong surprise or disagreement. Articles are omitted.
A) Well, I'll definitely buy that shirt.
B) Can't relate!
by thetruelivia August 24, 2018
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Can't Fix Loser

When a sports team is SO bad that even when things go well for a considerable amount of time, the team reverts back to its loser disposition.

Also is applicable to describe a company.
Yurk: Man, I am so happy the Lions have the first overall pick, We are SO on the right path.

BT: Fam, it doesn't matter who you draft or who your coach is, you cant fix loser. Your team has been tragic for 65 years.

Yurk: Ya but unc...

BT: NO, you can't fix loser. Takes a long time to get rid of that stench, bruh.
by Mike109999 February 2, 2022
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Can't never know

When one does or will not ever have an answer to the question being perposed.
by BS defines May 20, 2018
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