in the can definition | Dictionary.com

can

2 [kan]

noun, verb, canned, can⋅ning.

–noun

1.	a sealed container for food, beverages, etc., as of aluminum, sheet iron coated with tin, or other metal: a can of soup.

2.	a receptacle for garbage, ashes, etc.: a trash can.

3.	a bucket, pail, or other container for holding or carrying liquids: water can.

4.	a drinking cup; tankard.

5.	a metal or plastic container for holding film on cores or reels.

6.	Slang: Usually Vulgar. toilet; bathroom.

7.	Slang. jail: He's been in the can for a week.

8.	Slang: Sometimes Vulgar. buttocks.

Military Slang.

a.	a depth charge.

b.	a destroyer.

–verb (used with object)

10.	to preserve by sealing in a can, jar, etc.

11.	Slang. to dismiss; fire.

12.	Slang. to throw (something) away.

13.	Slang. to put a stop to: Can that noise!

14.	to record, as on film or tape.

—Idioms

15.	carry the can, British and Canadian Slang. to take the responsibility.

16.	in the can, recorded on film; completed: The movie is in the can and ready for release.

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME, OE canne, c. G Kanne, ON kanna, all perh. < WGmc; cf. LL canna small vessel

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

Link To in the can

can² (kān)

A usually cylindrical metal container.
1. An airtight container, usually made of tin-coated iron, in which foods or beverages are preserved.
2. The contents of such a container.
Slang A jail or prison.
Slang A toilet or restroom.
Slang The buttocks.
Slang A naval destroyer.

tr.v. canned, can·ning, cans

To seal in an airtight container for future use; preserve: canning peaches.
Slang To make a recording of: can the audience's applause for a TV comedy show.
Slang To dismiss from employment or school. See Synonyms at dismiss.
Slang To put a stop to; quit: Let's can the chatter.

[Middle English canne, a water container, from Old English.]
can'ner n.

in the can

In the lavatory, as in He can't come to the phone; he's in the can. The related on the can means "sitting on the toilet." The noun can is used for both the room and the toilet. [Slang; c. 1900]
Completed, as in About a hundred pages of her next book are in the can. This usage originated in filmmaking to describe a completed motion picture, when film was literally put into a can or canister. [Slang; c. 1930]
As an out-of-the-money finisher in a horse race, where a horse comes in fourth or worse. For example, He had no luck that dayevery bet ended up in the can. [1960s]

Search another word or see in the can on Thesaurus | Reference

In The Can at Amazon
Save on In the can Free 2-Day Shipping w/ Amazon Prime