tie a can to it

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To forget it; to put an end to it.

Register: dated, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

For ten years this phrase has proved the life of the agency business, and to tie a can to it today might terminate more seriously than could be imagined.

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).

Common questions

What does “tie a can to it” mean?

To forget it; to put an end to it.

Is “tie a can to it” formal or informal?

tie a can to it is generally dated, slang.