carry the can
phrase
British, informal
: to accept blame or responsibility for something that one did not cause
He made the error, but she was left to carry the can.
Taxpayers will carry the can for the renovations.
Cite this Entry
“Carry the can.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carry%20the%20can. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
