Can't copy anything from icloud

Hi,

I'm so confused! I have a bunch of files and folders in the iCloud Drive. The drive is now full and I do NOT want to subscribe for more space.

So I thought fine, I'll just move everything to my external hard drive.

But I can't copy anything at all. If I try and copy to my back to my mac locally that just hangs.

Same if I try and copy and paste.

When I look up instructions Apple tells me to login to the iCloud app and copy each file individually which is crazy that will take me hours.

Not happy. Especially because I want access to a few files on iCloud because my MacBook doesn't have usb. Feeling manipulated! But anyway, if anyone can help I'd appreciate it. Been rummaging around for a while now.

Thanks