kicks the can down the road
Defers the problem
To kick the can down the road is to postpone dealing with a problem rather than address it now.
The image is of someone idly kicking a can while walking—making small progress without real effort.
Politicians often kick the can down the road on difficult issues: Congress kicked the can down the road with another temporary funding bill.
The phrase implies the problem will eventually need solving anyway.
- kick the canPursuit game with container
- evadeEscape by cunning
- pass the buckTransfer responsibility elsewhere
- temporizeDelay to avoid decision
- deferDelay or submit
put off · sidestep · delay · buy time · snowballing · indecision · postpone · dodge · hesitation · wait and see · stall · drag feet · adjourn · domino effect · ripple effect · vacillation · neglect · shirk
kicks the can down the roadtakes the bull by the horns
Addresses a problem directly
bites the bullet · grasps the nettle · faces the music · steps up to the plate · takes charge
kicks the can down the roadputs to rest
Settles a matter conclusively
closes the book on · resolves · solves · fixes · remedies