can of corn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “can of corn” mean?
A very easy task, especially in sports (baseball), referring to a high, easy-to-catch fly ball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very easy task, especially in sports (baseball), referring to a high, easy-to-catch fly ball.
Any simple, routine task requiring little effort; something that is straightforward and undemanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually unknown in British English as a set phrase. The sport of baseball is not culturally prominent in the UK.
Connotations
In American English: positive connotation of ease and routine success. In British English: would likely be interpreted literally as a container of sweetcorn.
Frequency
Used almost exclusively in North America, particularly the US and Canada. Extremely rare to non-existent in other varieties of English.
Grammar
How to Use “can of corn” in a Sentence
to be a can of cornto describe something as a can of cornVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “can of corn” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- That was a real can-of-corn pop-up for the shortstop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used to describe an easily won contract or a simple project.
Academic
Extremely rare. Would be considered informal and out of place.
Everyday
Used conversationally, primarily in North America, to describe an undemanding chore or errand.
Technical
Specific to sports commentary, especially baseball.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “can of corn”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Applying it in non-North American settings where the idiom is not recognised.
- Confusing it with other food-related idioms like 'corny' (cheesy, old-fashioned).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originates from 19th-century American baseball. It refers to the easy way a grocer would tip a can of corn from a high shelf and catch it.
It is not recommended. The idiom is not widely recognised outside North American contexts and will likely cause confusion.
Yes, primarily in American English. It has been metaphorically extended to mean any very easy, routine task in everyday conversation.
'Piece of cake' or 'walk in the park' are more universally understood synonyms with the same meaning of an easy task.
A very easy task, especially in sports (baseball), referring to a high, easy-to-catch fly ball.
Can of corn is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Can of corn: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæn əv ˈkɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæn əv ˈkɔːrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “piece of cake”
- “walk in the park”
- “child's play”
- “duck soup”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baseball fielder catching a high fly ball as easily as a grocer catching a can of corn tipped from a high shelf.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTY IS HEIGHT / EASE IS ACCESSIBILITY. A difficult task is 'out of reach' or 'a high bar'; an easy one is 'within easy reach' like a can on a shelf.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'can of corn' most appropriately used?