The Village Idiom

kick at the can

The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.

Filed under K

In a sentence

  • She has been kicking at the can for months, but she still can't seem to find a solution to the problem.
  • Instead of facing their issues head-on, they prefer to kick at the can and avoid dealing with the underlying causes.
  • The government's decision to delay the implementation of the new policy is just another way of kicking at the can and avoiding making a difficult choice.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The phrase "kick at the can" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal contexts to describe a pointless or unsuccessful attempt to accomplish something.

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the game Kick the Can, which was popular among children in North America during the early 20th century. In this game, one person, known as "it," would have to find and tag the other players who were hiding. However, if a player managed to kick the can before being tagged, any caught players could be freed. The idiomatic meaning of "kick at the can" likely originated from the idea that kicking the can wouldn't actually help the hiding players in escaping or winning the game.

The idiom "kick at the can" is often used metaphorically to describe situations where efforts are in vain. It can be used to depict an unsuccessful attempt to achieve a goal, solve a problem, or make a significant impact. For example, if someone tries to change a deeply ingrained social behavior but fails to make any real difference, their efforts can be described as a "kick at the can." The idiom implies a sense of futility, suggesting that the action or endeavor is ultimately pointless or negligible.

Despite its North American origins, the idiom "kick at the can" has gained recognition among English speakers worldwide. Its simplicity and directness make it easily understood and used. Additionally, its association with a childhood game adds a touch of nostalgia and relatability to the expression, making it even more memorable and relatable to a wide audience.

"Kick it" is yet another related idiom, often used in informal conversations. This expression means to relax, take it easy, or enjoy oneself. It is often used to encourage someone to let go of their worries or stress and just have a good time. Unlike the previous idioms we discussed, "kick it" carries a positive connotation, highlighting the importance of taking a break and finding enjoyment in life.

The final related idiom is "kick into touch." This expression is derived from the sport of rugby, where "touch" refers to the area outside of the playing field. In rugby, if a player kicks the ball into touch, it means they intentionally kick it out of bounds to stop play and gain an advantage. Metaphorically, "kick into touch" can be used to describe a deliberate action taken to end or avoid a situation that is causing problems or difficulties. It implies a strategic move to distance oneself from a particular issue or to prevent further complications or negative consequences.

The idiomatic expression "kick at the can" refers to a futile or unsuccessful attempt to accomplish something. Its origin can be traced back to the game Kick the Can, popular among children in North America. The simplicity and relatability of this expression, along with its association with childhood games, have contributed to its recognition and usage by English speakers worldwide. Additionally, related idioms such as "kick the can down the road," "kick against the pricks," "kick it," and "kick into touch" further explore the themes of avoidance, resistance, relaxation, and strategic maneuvering in different contexts.

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