somebody   can't hack it
somebody
kɑ:nt
kaant
<abbr style="text-decoration: underline;" title="can't / couldn't" > can't</abbr>
hæk
hāk
hack
ɪt
it
it
{sb} [can't|couldn't] hack {sth}

Definition & Meaning of "somebody can't hack it"in English

somebody can't hack it
01

used to convey that one is unable to cope with or handle a particular situation, task, or challenge 

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "can't hack it" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "can't hack it" is not definitively documented, but its roots likely trace back to the realm of technology and computing. In computer programming, "hacking" initially referred to clever or innovative problem-solving, often in the context of overcoming technical challenges. The idiom "can't hack it" likely emerged metaphorically from this technical context, suggesting an inability to effectively manage or cope with a particular situation or task, akin to being unable to "hack" or successfully navigate through it. Over time, the phrase has become commonly used in everyday language to describe someone's inability to handle challenges or meet expectations in various contexts beyond just technology.

Examples
He tried the new job for a month, but he couldn't hack it. 
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