Phrase guide

can of corn

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An easily caught fly ball.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Topics: ball-games, baseball, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • He hits a can of corn to left.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The phrase, first attested in 1896, refers to the practice of a grocer using a long stick to push a can of goods off a high shelf. (See Seattle Post Intelligencer - Sports Answer Guy article)