can of corn
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
B elt follows with a fly out, can of corn, right to A-Jax for the first out, and now it's the slugger, little Gregor Blanco, who had a triple back in the second inning.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 28, 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
The can of corn was still there, holding it open.
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
