B1 买得起;有时间做，能做
to be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or time
I don't know how he can afford a new car on his salary. 我不知道他靠工资怎么能买得起新车。
Few people are able to afford cars like that. 很少有人买得起那样的车。
She couldn't afford the time off work to see him. 她工作太忙，抽不出空去看他。
[ + to infinitive ] I can't afford to buy a house. 我买不起房子。
I'd have been happy to work there without pay if I could have afforded it.
See also: afford (HAVE ENOUGH)
- More examples
- We couldn't afford to pay the lawyer's fee.
- We can't afford another trip abroad this year.
- How can he afford to buy such expensive watches?
- Don't be so ridiculous! I can't possibly afford to go on holiday.
- Building a dam would be a use of financial resources which this country cannot afford.