can opener
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A tool for safe-cracking.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Even the work of opening a safe with nitroglycerine or with a can opener places the criminal in a state of nervous tension.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A ramming maneuver, that opens up the target ship like a tin can.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “can opener” mean?
A tool for safe-cracking.
Is “can opener” formal or informal?
can opener is generally slang.