Definition of "CBE"

CBE

adjective
not comparable
1. can't be everywhere
  Quotations
  'CBE, Minister,' he replied, unhappily. I wasn't sure what he meant. Could I have been awarded the CBE.? – or could he? He explained. "Can't Be Everywhere'.
  1980 March 10, “Economy Drive”, in Yes Minister, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn (actors)
  My source says: ‘The answer was “CBE” – palace-speak for “Can’t be everywhere.”’
  2015 July 2, Ephraim Hardcastle, The Daily Mail
proper noun
1. Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
2. Initialism of Christians for Biblical Equality.
noun