could do with

could do with (past participle could have done with)

1. To need something that would be beneficial.

   I could do with a torch, if you've got one.

   The fence could do with another coat of paint.

   Your son could do with a good talking to!

   That cutter is no good to me now. I could have done with it yesterday.

• The negative forms are considered can do without, could do without, and could have done without, but in fact they occur in quite different semantic situations.

• could do without
• can do with, can do without
• could have done with, could have done without