kick the can down the road: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick the can down the road’ mean?
The idiom "kick the can down the road" means to delay or postpone addressing a problem or making a decision, often because it is difficult or unpopular to do so at the present time.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put off" means to delay or postpone something. It can refer to a physical action or a decision. It implies a sense of procrastination or avoiding a task or responsibility.
"Let's not and say we did" is an idiom used to suggest avoiding an activity or responsibility while still claiming to have done it. It implies a desire to evade or deceive without facing the consequences of the truth.
The idiom "kick the habit" means to stop or break a bad or addictive behavior or addiction. It can refer to giving up smoking, drugs, or any other negative habit.
The idiom "kick the bucket" means to die or to pass away. It is a metaphorical expression that originated from the idea of someone accidentally kicking a bucket while they are hanging from a noose, resulting in their death.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.
The idiom "kick a dog when it's down" means to take advantage of someone who is already vulnerable or in a weakened state, typically to further harm or humiliate them. It implies a lack of compassion or empathy towards others.
Decoding Procrastination
The idiom "kick the can down the road" originated in the United States and is commonly used to describe the act of postponing a decision or action. It is often employed in political and bureaucratic contexts, where it suggests a lack of willingness or ability to address a problem in a timely manner. The phrase "kick the can" is believed to have come from a children's game of the same name, where players scatter and hide while one participant tries to find and tag them after kicking a can. This act of kicking the can represents the temporary delay of the game and symbolizes the desire to extend the enjoyment of playing. This metaphorical act of deflecting or evading a situation or responsibility has evolved into the idiom "kick the can". Additionally, the addition of "down the road" emphasizes the idea of postponement, with "down the road" meaning in the future or at a later time. By combining these phrases, "kick the can down the road" conveys the act of pushing a problem or decision further into the future, allowing the current moment to pass without taking immediate action.
This idiom gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly within the political realm. It is often used to criticize politicians or government officials for avoiding difficult decisions or procrastinating on important issues. This criticism stems from the perception that the repeated use of this idiom allows decision-makers to shirk their responsibilities and pass the burden onto future generations or other individuals. However, the usage of "kick the can down the road" is not limited to political discussions. It is also employed in everyday conversations or discussions about personal matters or business dealings, describing situations where someone intentionally postpones a decision or problem, leading to its prolonged existence and potential escalation.
While this idiom is widely recognized and understood, it raises intriguing questions about human behavior and decision-making. Why do people engage in the practice of delaying action or deferring responsibility? What are the long-term consequences of repeatedly "kicking the can down the road"? Exploring these questions delves into the complexities of human psychology and societal dynamics, reaching beyond the realm of the idiom itself.
"kick at the can" is another related idiom that shares a similar origin with "kick the can down the road". It refers to the act of attempting to kick a can as part of the game's objective. This idiom emphasizes the playful nature of the game and highlights the act of kicking the can as a symbolic action. In the game, players scatter and hide to prolong the enjoyment of playing, and the act of kicking the can represents a temporary delay in the game's progress.
"kick into touch" is another idiom related to "kick the can down the road". It is a rugby term that means to kick the ball out of bounds, which allows the kicking team to gain an advantage and reset the game. This idiom similarly conveys the idea of postponing action or decision-making in order to gain an advantage or avoid immediate consequences.
"put off" is yet another idiom that aligns with the concept of "kick the can down the road". It means to postpone or delay something, often due to a lack of willingness or desire to address the issue at hand. This idiom captures the essence of evading responsibility or avoiding difficult decisions.
"kick one's heels" is another phrase related to the idea of postponement and waiting. It means to wait impatiently or idly for something to happen or someone to arrive. This phrase highlights the idea of wasting time or biding one's time while delaying action.
"Down the road" is a colloquial expression that means in the future or at a later time. When combined with the idiom "kick the can", it further emphasizes the concept of postponement and delaying a decision or action. By "kicking the can down the road", one effectively pushes a problem or decision further into the future, hoping that it will either resolve itself or that someone else will take responsibility in due time.
"Kick the can down the road" is an idiom that perfectly captures the act of postponing a decision or action for various reasons. Its origins in the game of the same name brought a playful yet evasive quality to the idiom. Its wide usage in political and everyday contexts reflects a tendency of individuals and institutions to defer difficult decisions. While its exact origins remain unclear, the idiom continues to resonate in contemporary conversations, urging us to reflect on the consequences of postponement and evasion.
Example usage
1. The company has been avoiding difficult decisions and instead choosing to kick the can down the road, leading to a buildup of unresolved issues.
2. Instead of addressing the underlying problem, the government has resorted to simply kicking the can down the road by implementing temporary solutions.
3. The manager's refusal to tackle the team's persistent performance issues demonstrates a tendency to kick the can down the road rather than finding permanent solutions.
More "Procrastination" idioms
