If you say that someone has a can-do attitude, you approve of them because they are confident and willing to deal with problems or new tasks, rather than complaining or giving up.
[informal, approval]
He is known for his optimistic can-do attitude.
can-do in British English
adjective
confident and resourceful in the face of challenges
a can-do attitude
can-do in American English
(ˈkænˈdu)
adjective
Informal
characterized by enthusiasm and confidence in taking on tasks or challenges
Examples of 'can-do' in a sentence
can-do
His energy and can-do attitude was contagious.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You have the can-do attitude that will inspire friends and family.
The Sun (2010)
There is now a real can-do attitude.
The Sun (2011)
The military have a can-do attitude which may not have helped them.
The Sun (2010)
Saturn contacts the moon to give you extra confidence and a can-do attitude that opens up opportunities.
The Sun (2011)
They have this fantastic service culture and can-do attitude.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The positive can-do attitude culture comes from the very top.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You have the can-do attitude and clear way of thinking that turn good intentions into a proper action plan.
The Sun (2009)
Their can-do attitude means they will always strive to do the job regardless of the resources the politicians give them.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Our advice is that young people need to think about how they project a can-do attitude when applying for jobs.
The Sun (2014)
You have the can-do attitude that helps you push ahead with a personal project instead of being concerned about the opinions of others.
The Sun (2009)
Let's bring on the can-do optimism.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
At work, your can-do approach is key to success.
The Sun (2010)
Would his story have made it past the first page without the can-do Canadian attitude?
The Sun (2016)
The way this environment is set up, we are playing with a can-do attitude.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
People seem more energetic and optimistic here, with a slightly naive but refreshing can-do attitude.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Despite their can-do attitude, barriers to success are still there for female entrepreneurs.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They're such a can-do nation.
The Sun (2009)
You have the can-do attitude that inspires others and instead of playing down yourambitions, you are ready to see how far they can take you.
The Sun (2009)
All related terms of 'can-do'
can do sth blindfold
If you say that you can do something blindfold , you are emphasizing that you can do it easily , for example because you have done it many times before.
could do with
If you say that you could do with something, you mean that you need it or would benefit from it.
what can/do you expect
You can say ' What can you expect ? ' or ' What do you expect? ' to emphasize that there is nothing surprising about a situation or a person's behaviour, especially if you find this disappointing .
the least I could/can do
You use expressions like ' that's the least that I can do ' to mean that you are very willing to do it, or to acknowledge someone's thanks .
someone can't do something for toffee
said to mean that someone is extremely bad at doing something
someone can do something standing on their head
said to mean that someone can do something very easily
someone can't do something to save their life
said to mean that someone cannot do something at all
someone can do something until they are blue in the face
said to mean that however long someone does something or however hard they try , they will still fail
someone can do something with one hand tied behind their back
said to mean that someone can do something very easily