A phrase used to blame someone or some group for engaging in the kind of behavior that has led to something valued becoming damaged, ruined, or corrupted. Typically used humorously. A: "Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to drop that." B: "Well, this is why we can't have nice things." People apparently insist that it's their right to post lewd messages in an innocent forum thread. This is why we can't have nice things. A poll shows that a majority of Americans don't know proper grammar. This is why we can't have nice things.