"Sorry, maybe next time"

WECANT

This phrase might be heard when a team falls just short of victory, often in sports or competitions where only one side can win. Think of it as a two-word contraction you’d see on a scoreboard.

The phrase "Sorry, maybe next time" is a casual way to turn someone down, often shortened in texting or speech to "we can't." The answer plays on this by removing the space and apostrophe to form "WECANT," which fits the crossword’s concise style. It’s a straightforward abbreviation clue—no hidden wordplay, just how people might quickly type or say the rejection in everyday conversation.