in the can
Ready for broadcast
In the can means finished and ready for distribution, originally from film production where completed reels were stored in metal canisters.
A movie that's in the can has wrapped shooting.
The phrase extends to any project that's done: We got the interview in the can before lunch.
Separately, in the can is slang for in jail or in the toilet.
- finishedBrought to an end
- doneNo longer in progress
- completedFully finished
- in the bagCertain to succeed
- wrappedCovered in material
toilet · bathroom · privy · restroom · jail · prison · locked up · slammer · lockup · film · footage · film reel · recorded · shot · preserved · tinned · container · aluminum
- HollywoodHollywood, Tinseltown, Hollywood Sign, silver screen, movie stars
- TV lingoon air, off air, showrunner, cliffhanger, cue
- moviesblockbuster, film, Titanic, films, Jurassic Park
in the canin production
Currently being created
in development · filming · in progress · on the floor · rolling
in the canon the outside
At the outer surface
free · at liberty · on the street · out · released
in the canup in the air
Unresolved, awaiting determination
uncertain · pending · in doubt · touch and go · unresolved