Idioms

give (someone) the can

give (someone) the can

To summarily dismiss or oust someone from employment; to fire someone. Management promptly gave the new accountant the can after his miscalculation cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars. They'll give me the can if they ever find out I came into work drunk yesterday. How can you give me the can after five loyal years on the job?
See also: can, give
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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