Example
“When the project missed its deadline, the team leader had to carry the can.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
can of worms
Informal · CEFR B1
a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched
pass the buck
Neutral · CEFR B2
avoid accountability by shifting responsibility or blame to another person
call it a day
Informal · CEFR B1
To decide to stop working on something for now.
do the job
Informal · CEFR B1
to be good enough to achieve the desired result
go downhill
Neutral · CEFR B1
to become progressively worse in condition, quality, or performance
have your hands full
Neutral · CEFR B1
To be very busy or fully occupied with responsibilities.
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.