you can't take it with you
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
It is not possible to take one's material wealth or possessions to whatever world may await one after death.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
"The clause which—at my death—makes you sole owner of the whole concession. You see—the odds were scarcely even, were they? It wasn't likely anything would happen to you!" . . .
"What's it matter to you now?" Trent said, with unintentional brutality. "You can't take it with you."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “you can't take it with you” mean?
It is not possible to take one's material wealth or possessions to whatever world may await one after death.
Is “you can't take it with you” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.