carry the can

/ˈkæɹi ðə kæn/◆idiom

take the blame

When the project failed, the manager made the junior team carry the can.

The manager blamed the junior team for the project's failure.

◆ What It Really Means

To accept unfair blame or responsibility for a mistake or failure, often when the blame is undeserved or disproportionate.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically hold a container (can) while someone assigns blame.

Literal Breakdown

carryto hold or transport something+the cana metal container for liquids or solids

◇ Mental Image

Imagine someone holding a can to catch blame like liquid, symbolizing being burdened with unfair responsibility.

◈ When to Use

In a team meeting, a project fails due to a senior member's oversight, but the junior team members are blamed. One of them might say, 'Why do we always have to carry the can for their mistakes?'

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom is particularly common in British English and reflects a cultural tendency to assign blame in hierarchical structures, such as workplaces or families.

informal

To take the blame or responsibility for a mistake or failure, often unfairly.

She had to carry the can for her coworker's error in the report.

She was blamed for a mistake she didn't make.

The CEO resigned to carry the can for the company's financial scandal.

The CEO took the blame for the scandal.

Commonly used in workplace or group settings where blame is assigned to someone without sufficient justification.

Collocations

make someone carry the canto unfairly blame someonecarry the can for someoneto take the blame on behalf of another

Synonyms

take the blame shoulder the blame be the scapegoat be held accountable

Antonyms

avoid blame pass the buck shift responsibility

Related Phrases

pass the buckidiom

to shift responsibility to someone else

scapegoatword

a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings of others

Pro Tip

When to use 'carry the can'

Use this idiom when someone is unfairly blamed for a mistake or failure, especially in a group or organizational setting. It conveys a sense of injustice or disproportionate blame.

Gold Rule

Avoid literal interpretation

This is an idiom, so the meaning is not related to carrying a physical can. Focus on the figurative meaning of taking the blame.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from British slang, likely from the 19th century. It metaphorically refers to someone holding a can (container) to catch blame or responsibility, similar to how a can might catch liquid. The imagery suggests being burdened with an unfair or unwanted task.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in contexts where blame is assigned disproportionately, such as in group projects, corporate settings, or family disputes. It implies a sense of injustice or unfairness.

Word Breakdown

carry

to bear or hold

verb

the can

the blame or responsibility

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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