can
To be able to do something.
To have the ability, permission, or opportunity to do something.
To be allowed to do something.
To have official or informal approval to do something.
A round metal container that holds food or drink.
A sealed, usually cylindrical metal container for storing food or drink.
To put food into sealed containers so it stays good for a long time.
To store food in airtight containers, such as metal cans or glass jars, to keep it from spoiling.
To tell someone they no longer have their job.
To remove someone from their job, usually suddenly or without ceremony.
- Base: can
- Past: could
- Irregular past: could Verb
can't help but
1Unable to stop oneself from doing something
Used to say you must do something because you cannot stop yourself.
- I can't help but laugh when I hear that story.
- She can't help but notice how quiet it is.
in the can
1Finished and ready for release or use
Used to say something like a movie or project is finished and ready to be used or shown.
- The director announced the film is finally in the can.
- Our report is in the can and will be published next week.
kick the can down the road
1Delay dealing with an issue or decision
To avoid dealing with a problem by putting it off until later.
- The committee decided to kick the can down the road on budget cuts.
- They keep kicking the can down the road instead of solving the problem now.