Be in the can
phrasal verb
Refers to a film or recording that has been completed but not yet released.
The movie is now in the can and set for release this summer.
Often appears as...
- movie is in the can
- song is in the can
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Refers to something that is already settled or decided.
Once the decision is in the can, we can move on to the next issue.
Often appears as...
- decision is in the can
- deal is in the can
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
In jail or prison.
He was caught stealing and now he's in the can.
Often appears as...
- person is in the can
- ended up in the can
Usage tips
Slang
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Refers to beer being in a can rather than a bottle.
I prefer beer in the can for a picnic.
Often appears as...
- beer is in the can
- put it in the can
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Refers to a film or recording that has been completed but not yet released.
The movie is now in the can and set for release this summer.
Often appears as...
- movie is in the can
- song is in the can
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Refers to something that is already settled or decided.
Once the decision is in the can, we can move on to the next issue.
Often appears as...
- decision is in the can
- deal is in the can
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
In jail or prison.
He was caught stealing and now he's in the can.
Often appears as...
- person is in the can
- ended up in the can
Usage tips
Slang
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
Refers to beer being in a can rather than a bottle.
I prefer beer in the can for a picnic.
Often appears as...
- beer is in the can
- put it in the can
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Entertainment Industry
Understand that this term is often used in film and music contexts, referring to production completion.
The director shouted 'It's a wrap,' so we knew the film was in the can.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Yet Public
Remember that just because something is 'in the can' doesn't mean you can access it yet.
I can't wait to see that show, but it's still in the can.
Pro Tip 1/2Entertainment Industry
Understand that this term is often used in film and music contexts, referring to production completion.
The director shouted 'It's a wrap,' so we knew the film was in the can.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Yet Public
Remember that just because something is 'in the can' doesn't mean you can access it yet.
I can't wait to see that show, but it's still in the can.
Pro Tip 1/2Entertainment Industry
Understand that this term is often used in film and music contexts, referring to production completion.
The director shouted 'It's a wrap,' so we knew the film was in the can.
Pro Tip 2/2Not Yet Public
Remember that just because something is 'in the can' doesn't mean you can access it yet.
I can't wait to see that show, but it's still in the can.
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