can of corn

American  

[kan uhv kawrn] / ˈkæn əv ˈkɔrn /

noun

Baseball Slang.

1. a fly ball that is so easy to catch that the fielder need only stand under the falling ball and let it drop into their glove.

   That’s the third straight can of corn off a Yankee bat tonight, and the Toronto outfield is not complaining.

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Etymology

Origin of can of corn

First recorded in 1930–35; origin uncertain; perhaps referring to a grocer using a long-handled grabber to tip canned goods down from a high shelf into his hand or apron

Example Sentences

And after Yastrzemski lined a single, Ohtani induced a can of corn to center from Ramos to complete his 36-pitch outing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 12, 2025

Judge had his moment later, launching a three-run smash in the third — it was no can of corn, sailing to deep right.

From Washington Times • Aug. 12, 2021

After we finished, Stanley walked on and said: "Gee Jack, that opens up a whole new can of corn."

From The Guardian • Oct. 29, 2012

“The first time I’ve ever seen an 11-ounce can of corn at the store was about three weeks ago, and I was just floored,” she said.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2011

“We should prop this door open, too,” Chess said firmly, and Emma saw that he’d carried a can of corn up from the basement.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• bloop
• blooper
• looper
• pop-up