can't seem to

Be apparently unable to, as in No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to concentrate on this book. This phrase gives added emphasis to a negative statement, as in the example. [Late 1800s]

Words nearby can't seem to

can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, can't make head or tail of, can't punch one's way out of a paper bag, can't see beyond the end of one's nose., can't see the forest for the trees, can't seem to, can't stand, can't wait, can-do, can-opener, can-tho