C2idiominformalworkIELTS-friendly
carry the can
USUK
to take the blame for something, often when others share the fault
British English. Usually 'carry the can for something'. American English says 'take the fall' or 'take the rap'.
In context
The whole department made mistakes, but the junior engineer had to carry the can.
I'm not going to carry the can for a decision I argued against.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money