carry the can
Meaning
To take responsibility or blame for a failure or problem, often on behalf of others.
Origin
Originally British slang: in early 20th-century usage, the person who was left holding/carrying the beer can (or container) was the one caught and had to answer for it—hence taking the blame.
Notes
Often implies unfairness: someone is left to take the blame/heat. Common in British English; less familiar in American English.
Examples
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After the audit, Denise ended up carrying the can for mistakes the whole team made.
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If the project fails, I don’t want to carry the can alone while everyone else walks away.
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The manager resigned, but the junior staff still had to carry the can with the clients.
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Someone has to carry the can when things go wrong, and it always seems to be the same person.
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He was furious about carrying the can for a decision that was approved by senior leadership.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually ‘carry the can (for …)’ or ‘end up carrying the can’. Verb can inflect (carried/carrying). ‘The’ is typically kept.
Synonyms
- take the blame
- take the fall
- be left holding the bag
- face the music
Antonyms
- be exonerated
- be let off the hook
- share the blame