The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

by Christine Ammer

  cannon → See LOOSE CANNON.

  cannot → See under CAN’T.

  canoe → See PADDLE ONE’S OWN CANOE.

  can of worms A complex unexpected problem or unsolvable dilemma, as in Tackling the budget cuts is sure to open a can of worms. This expression alludes to a container of bait used for fishing, which when opened reveals an inextricable tangle of worms. [1920s]

  can’t → In addition to the idioms beginning with CAN’T, also see BEGGARS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS; IF YOU CAN’T BEAT ‘EM, JOIN ‘EM; YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU; YOU CAN’T WIN ‘EM ALL. Also see under CAN.

  can’t abide → See CAN’T STAND.

  can’t but Also, cannot but. → See CAN’T HELP.

  can’t complain Used as a response meaning fairly good or well, to questions such as “How are you?” or “How is business?” For example, How’ve you been?—Can’t complain. This term means that nothing serious is wrong. [Mid-1800s]

  can’t do anything with Be unable to cope with or manage someone or something. For example, I can’t do anything with my hair, or My teenage daughter is very difficult—I can’t do anything with her. This expression uses do in the sense of “deal with,” a usage dating from the early 1500s.

  can’t fight City Hall Be unable to overcome bureaucratic rules, as in Brad couldn’t get a permit without going through channels—you can’t fight City Hall! This term transfers the seat of city government to a more general sense of bureaucracy in any sphere. [Mid-1800s]

  can’t get blood from a stone This is a hopeless source of money, comfort, or some other kind of succor. The analogy has been employed since 1660. Charles Dickens used it often, as in David Copperfield (1850): “Blood cannot be obtained from a stone, nor can anything of account be obtained at present from Mr. Micawber [a perennially insolvent character]. A 19th-century variant is can’t get blood from a turnip, but it is heard less often today.

  can’t help Also, can’t help but or cannot but. Be unable to do otherwise. For example, I can’t help thinking that the keys will turn up eventually, or He couldn’t help but believe he would pass the entrance exam, or I cannot but applaud his efforts. The first of these phrases, can’t help, is always followed by a present participle whereas the others take an infinitive. [c. 1700]

  can’t hit the broad side of a barn Have very poor aim. For example, That rookie can’t hit the broad side of a barn, let alone strike anyone out or, as put in The New Republic (February 19, 1990): “Their missiles couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.” This hyperbolic term, dating from the mid-1800s, at first denoted poor marksmanship. Around 1900 it also began to be used in baseball, for a pitcher with poor aim.

  can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear Be unable to turn something ugly or inferior into something attractive or of value, as in No matter how expensive his clothes, he still looks sloppy—you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. This expression was already a proverb in the mid-1500s.

  can’t make head or tail of Also can’t make heads or tails of. Fail to understand, be quite confused about, as in I can’t make head or tail of these directions. A version of this term dates back to Roman times, when Cicero wrote Ne caput nec pedes (“neither head nor feet”) to describe confusion. In the current idiom the precise allusion is unclear: head and tail may mean top and bottom, beginning and end, or the two sides of a coin. [Second half of 1600s]

  can’t punch one’s way out of a paper bag Be ­inept, as in Ask him to program the VCR? He can’t punch his way out of a paper bag. This hyperbolic term for extreme ineptitude originally was an expression of contempt for a weak or cowardly boxer. [Slang; c. 1910]

  can’t see beyond the end of one’s nose. Also, can’t see farther than the end of one’s nose. Lack foresight, envisioning only immediate events or problems, as in Thomas hasn’t hired an orchestra for the Christmas concert; he just can’t see beyond the end of his nose. This expression originated as a French proverb that was frequently cited in English from about 1700 on. Alexander Pope used a similar expression in his Essay on Man (1734): “Onward still he goes, Yet ne’er looks forward further than his nose.”

  can’t seem to Be apparently unable to, as in No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to concentrate on this book. This phrase gives added emphasis to a negative statement, as in the example. [Late 1800s]

  can’t see the forest for the trees Also, can’t see the wood for the trees. Focus only on small details and fail to understand larger plans or principles, as in Alex argues about petty cash and overlooks the budget—he can’t see the forest for the trees. This expression was already a proverb in John Heywood’s 1546 collection.

  can’t stand Also, can’t abide or bear or stomach. Thoroughly dislike; be unable to put up with something or someone. For example, I can’t stand the sight of her; she’s obnoxious, or I can’t bear to leave the country, or I can’t stomach a filthy kitchen. The oldest of these synonymous expressions is can’t abide, which Shakespeare used in 2 Henry IV (3:2): “She could not abide Master Shallow.” Can’t stand dates from the early 1600s; can’t bear dates from about 1700 and often but not always is used with an infinitive; can’t stomach dates from the late 1600s and today is less common than the others.

  can’t wait Be very eager, anxious, or impatient, as in We can’t wait for the baseball season to begin or I can’t wait to see Dad—it’s been a year. While the literal sense of being unable to wait (for lack of time) is much older, this figurative usage dates only from about 1930.

  cap → In addition to the idioms beginning with CAP, also see FEATHER IN ONE’S CAP; HAT (CAP) IN HAND; IF THE SHOE (CAP) FITS, WEAR IT; PUT ON ONE’S THINKING CAP; SET ONE’S CAP FOR. Also see under HAT.

  cap and gown Ceremonial dress worn at graduation exercises; by extension, the academic community (also see TOWN AND GOWN). For example, Mary was very proud when she received her cap and gown for commencement. [Mid-1800s]

  cap in hand → See under HAT IN HAND.

  capital → See MAKE CAPITAL OUT OF.

  cap it all 1. Also, cap it all off. Finish or complete something, as in To cap it all off they served three kinds of dessert. 2. Surpass or outdo something, as in This last story of Henry’s caps them all. Both usages employ cap in the sense of “topping” something. [First half of 1800s]

  captive audience Listeners or onlookers who have no choice but to attend. For example, It’s a required course and, knowing he has a captive audience, the professor rambles on endlessly. This expression, first recorded in 1902, uses captive in the sense of “unable to escape.”

  carbo load Consume a large amount of carbo­hydrate food, as in Karen began carbo loading three days before the road race. This term, a clipping of “carbohydrate loading,” originated among marathon runners, who were advised to build up their strength before a race by eating quantities of foods like spaghetti. [1970s]

  carbon copy A person or thing that closely resembles another, as in Our grandson is a carbon copy of his dad. Originally this term meant a copy of a document made by using carbon paper. The linguistic transfer to other kinds of duplicate survived the demise of carbon paper (replaced by photocopiers, computer printers, and other more sophisticated devices). [c. 1870]

  card → In addition to the idioms beginning with CARD, also see HOUSE OF CARDS; IN THE CARDS; LAY ONE’S CARDS ON THE TABLE; PLAY ONE’S CARDS CLOSE TO ONE’S CHEST; PLAY ONE’S CARDS RIGHT; TRUMP CARD; WILD CARD.

  card in Sign in to one’s place of business by use of a magnetic card, as in I told him I’d card in for him if he was late tomorrow. Similarly, card out means to sign out of one’s place of business, as in I want to sneak out early, so could you please card out for me at the end of the day? This term arose in the 1940s with the invention of automated check-in systems.

  cards are stacked against Many difficulties face someone or something, as in The cards are stacked against the new highway project. This term originated in gambling, where to stack the cards or stack the deck means to arrange cards secretly a
nd dishonestly in one’s own favor or against one’s opponent. [Mid-1800s]

  card up one’s sleeve Also, ace up one’s sleeve. A hidden or secret advantage or resource, as in Before we make a decision, let’s see if management has another card up its sleeve, or You can count on John to have an ace up his sleeve. The practice of storing something in one’s sleeve dates from the 16th century, when clothes rarely had pockets. The current term comes from gambling, where a dishonest player might so conceal an ace or other winning card. [Mid-1800s]

  care → In addition to the idiom beginning with CARE, also see COULDN’T CARE LESS; FOR ALL (ONE CARES); IN CARE OF; IN CHARGE (THE CARE OF); TAKE CARE; TAKE CARE OF; TENDER LOVING CARE; THAT’S (TAKES CARE OF) THAT.

  career → See CHECKERED CAREER.

  care package A gift package of food or other items not readily available to the recipient, as in While I was in college, Mom sent me a care package of homemade cookies just about every month. This term originated after World War II with CARE, an organization founded to send needed food, clothing, and other items to war-torn nations. By the 1960s the term had been transferred to sending packages of treats to children at camp, students away at school, and the like.

  carpe diem Enjoy the present and don’t worry about the future, as in It’s a beautiful day, so forget tomorrow’s test—carpe diem! Latin for “seize the day,” an aphorism found in the Roman writer Hor­ace’s Odes, this phrase has been used in English since the early 1800s.

  carpet → See CALL ON THE CARPET; RED CARPET. Also see under RUG.

  carried away → See CARRY AWAY.

  carrot and stick Reward and punishment used as persuasive measures, as in Management dangled the carrot of a possible raise before strikers, but at the same time waved the stick of losing their pension benefits. This term alludes to enticing a horse or donkey to move by dangling a carrot before it and, either alternately or at the same time, urging it forward by beating it with a stick. [Late 1800s]

  carry → In addition to the idioms beginning with CARRY, also see FETCH AND CARRY; (CARRY) OFF SOMEONE’S FEET.

  carry a torch for Also, carry the torch for. Continue to feel the pain of unreciprocated love for, as in Jane has been carrying the torch for Bill for at least a year. The torch in this term alludes to the heat of love or passion. [1920s]

  carry a tune Accurately sing a melody, as in Dean loves to listen to music but he can’t carry a tune. [Early 1800s]

  carry away Move or excite greatly. This expression is usually used in the passive, be carried away, as in The eulogy was so touching we were carried away, or Take it easy; don’t get carried away and overdo. [Late 1500s]

  carry coals to Newcastle Do or bring something superfluous or unnecessary, as in Running the sprinkler while it’s raining, that’s carrying coals to Newcastle. This metaphor was already well known in the mid-1500s, when Newcastle-upon-Tyne had been a major coal-mining center for 400 years. It is heard less often today but is not yet obsolete.

  carry forward 1. Also, carry over. Transfer a bookkeeping entry to the next column, page, another account, or the next accounting period, as in Let’s carry forward this loss to the next quarter for a saving in taxes, or She made an error in carrying over this column. The first term dates from the first half of the 1800s; the variant dates from the mid-1700s. 2. Make progress in, advance, as in His successor hoped to carry forward his work. Also see CARRY ON.

  carrying charge 1. Interest charged on the balance owed when paying on an installment plan, as in What is the carrying charge for this credit card? The term denotes the amount charged for carrying the remaining debt. [Late 1800s] 2. The cost incurred when an asset is unproductive, as when aircraft are grounded during a strike, real estate cannot be developed owing to zoning laws, or similar circumstances. For example, The carrying charge for owning this building may send us into bankruptcy.

  carry off 1. Handle successfully, win, as in It was a difficult situation, but he managed to carry it off gracefully, or They carried off first prize. [First half of 1800s] 2. Cause the death of someone, as in The new African virus carried off an entire village. This usage is less common today. [Late 1600s]

  carry on 1. Maintain, conduct, as in The villagers carried on a thriving trade, or They carried on a torrid love affair. [c. 1600] 2. Continue or progress, persevere, as in I’m sure you can carry on without me. [Mid-1600s] 3. Behave in an excited, improper, or silly manner, as in They laughed and sang and carried on rather noisily. [Early 1800s] 4. Flirt, engage in an illicit love affair, as in She accused her friend of carrying on with her husband. [Early 1900s]

  carry out 1. Accomplish, bring to a conclusion, as in They carried out the mission successfully. Shakespeare had this term in King Lear (5:1): “And hardly shall I carry out my side, Her husband being alive.” [Late 1500s] 2. Put in practice or effect, as in We will carry out the new policy, or Please carry out my instructions. [Mid-1800s]

  carry over 1. See CARRY FORWARD, def. 1. 2. To keep something, usually merchandise, for a subsequent period. For example, We’ll carry over this summer’s bathing suits for next winter’s resort season. 3. Persist from one time or situation to another, as in His leadership in sports carried over to the classroom. [Late 1800s]

  carry the ball Take charge, advance a cause, as in In our lab any of the assistants can carry the ball. This usage comes from such sports as football, where the ball-carrying player gives the team yardage or a touchdown. By the early 1900s it was being transferred to other endeavors.

  carry the can Take responsibility or accept blame, as in Joan felt she was always carrying the can for her boss’s errors. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

  carry the day Win, prevail, as in At auctions the wealthiest bidders usually carry the day. [Late 1600s]

  carry the torch → See CARRY A TORCH FOR.

  carry through 1. Continue with or persevere to the end, as in She carried the project through despite being ill. Shakespeare used this idiom in King Lear (1:4): “My good intent may carry through itself.” [c. 1600] 2. Survive or persist, as in His excellent technique carries through all his work. 3. Also, carry one through. Enable to endure; sustain. For example, His faith helped carry him through this last ordeal. [Mid-1700s]

  carry too far Also, carry to excess. Extend too much in a single direction, as in One can carry the concept of mercy too far; these young thugs should be punished, or Humor in a sermon can be carried to excess. [Early 1700s]

  carry weight Also, carry authority or conviction. Exert influence, authority, or persuasion, as in No matter what the President says, his words always carry weight. Shakespeare combined two of these expressions in Henry VIII (3:2): “Words cannot carry authority so weighty.” [c. 1600]

  cart → In addition to the idioms beginning with CART, also see UPSET THE APPLECART.

  cart before the horse, put the Reverse the proper order of things or events, as in Don’t put the cart before the horse and give away the punch line. This expression has been used since antiquity but was first recorded in English in 1520.

  cart off Also, cart away. Transport or remove in an unceremonious way, as in The police carted them all off to jail, or We’ll call the town to cart away this trash. This term owes its meaning to cart, a humble conveyance compared to a carriage. [Second half of 1800s]

  case → In addition to the idiom beginning with CASE, also see BASKET CASE; GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS (CASES); HAVE A CASE ON; IN ANY CASE; IN CASE (OF); IN NO CASE; IN THE CASE OF; JUST IN CASE; MAKE A FEDERAL CASE OF; OFF SOMEONE’S BACK (CASE); OPEN AND SHUT CASE.

  case in point A relevant example or illustration of something, as in A case in point was the collision of a cyclist with a pedestrian crossing the designated bike path. [Mid-1700s]

  cash → In addition to the idioms beginning with CASH, also see COLD CASH.

  cash cow A dependable source of profit, as in The small-appliance division is this company’s cash cow. Although this precise term dates only from about 1970, milch cow was used in exactly the same
way from 1601.

  cash in 1. Settle an account, close a matter, quit, as in I’m simply going to cash in and leave, or The countries of the former Soviet Union have cashed in. [Late 1800s] 2. Profit handsomely, as in When the stock price went up, we really cashed in. This phrase often is extended to cash in on, meaning to take advantage of. [Early 1900s] 3. Also, cash in one’s chips. Die, as in If this new treatment fails, Bob may be cashing in his chips before long. This usage was a transfer from quitting a poker game. [Slang; late 1800s]

  cash on the barrelhead Immediate payment, as in They won’t extend credit; it’s cash on the barrelhead or no sale. The lexicographer Charles Earle Funk surmised that this term originated in the days when upended barrels served as both seats and tables in bars, and customers were required to pay for their drinks immediately, literally putting their money on the top (head) of a barrel.

  cast → In addition to the idioms beginning with CAST, also see DIE IS CAST.

  cast about 1. Also, cast around. Seek, make a search, as in We cast about for the necessary tools, but couldn’t find them in the garage. [Late 1600s] 2. Devise means, contrive, as in They cast about for new ways to increase revenue. This usage was first recorded in 1867.

  cast adrift → See CAST LOOSE.

  cast away 1. Also, cast aside. Discard, reject, as in He picked a book, then cast it aside, or She cast away all thoughts of returning home. [Early 1400s] 2. Squander, waste, as in She cast away a fortune on jewelry. Shakespeare used this idiom in King John (2:1): “France, hast thou yet more blood to cast away?” [Early 1500s]

  cast doubt on Cause something or someone to be questioned. For example, The prosecutor cast doubt on the wife’s alibi. This idiom uses cast in the sense of “throw,” a usage dating from the early 1200s.