cannot mess with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot mess with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is not to be interfered with or tampered with, often implying a sense of seriousness or respect. Example: "In this project, we cannot mess with the established protocols if we want to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You cannot mess with her.

The Guardian

"You cannot mess with us anymore," he yelled.

The New York Times

Apply topical treatments according to the directions — most of the time on the back of your pet's head/neck, so it cannot mess with it once it has been applied.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The tale concludes: "One cannot mess around casually with Vatanen".

The New York Times - Books

You cannot mess this up.

The New York Times - Tech

The Moroccan lamb stew with plump raisins is a perfect dinner-party dish that even true idiots cannot mess up.

The New Yorker

They cannot mess up this selection this time around.

Huffington Post

Mr. Ford's decision to back out "suggests either that this is a negotiating ploy to get a lower price or he's looked at everything and sees such a mess that he cannot deal with it," a Sky Capital analyst, Theodore Kovaleff, said in an interview.

The New York Times

Mess with them.

Independent

* Mess with Jamie Byng and you mess with his whole family.

Independent

MESS with Gazprom and you mess with Russia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot mess with" to clearly indicate that something should not be disturbed or interfered with, particularly when there are potential negative consequences.

Common error

While "cannot mess with" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "do not interfere with" or "avoid tampering with" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot mess with" functions as a prohibition or warning. It is used to strongly advise against interfering with something or someone, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples where it conveys a sense of authority or potential negative consequences for non-compliance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot mess with" is a phrasal verb used to strongly advise against interference, often implying potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. While grammatically sound and understandable, it is relatively rare and leans towards informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "must not interfere with". This expression is most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a balanced tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not interfere with

Emphasizes a prohibition against intervention.

should not tamper with

Suggests avoiding adjustments or alterations that could be harmful.

ought not meddle with

Implies a cautionary note against unnecessary involvement.

best not provoke

Focuses on avoiding actions that might incite anger or conflict.

do not antagonize

Highlights the need to avoid creating hostility or opposition.

avoid conflict with

Stresses the importance of preventing disagreements or clashes.

keep away from

Advises maintaining distance to prevent potential issues.

leave undisturbed

Recommends allowing something to remain in its current state without intervention.

not to challenge

Indicates the avoidance of questioning or disputing authority.

refrain from engaging with

Suggests abstaining from interaction to prevent escalation.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot mess with" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot mess with" to express that something or someone should not be interfered with. For example, "You "cannot mess with" her; she is a true diva."

What does "cannot mess with" mean?

It means not to interfere or tamper with something or someone, often suggesting a warning of potential consequences.

What can I say instead of "cannot mess with"?

You can use alternatives like "must not interfere with", "should not tamper with", or "ought not meddle with" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot mess with"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of not interfering with something, often due to potential risks or negative outcomes. The phrase is more informal than "must not interfere with".