# can of corn

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/can-of-corn
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An easily caught fly ball.

## Examples

- The outfielder easily caught the can of corn.
- I catch the can of corn to end the long inning.
- The young player drops a simple can of corn during practice.
- The batter hit a high, lazy fly ball that was a simple can of corn for the center fielder.
- The pitcher felt relieved when the power hitter finally sent a high can of corn straight into the shortstop's waiting glove.
- Even though the sun is bright today, the left fielder should have no trouble tracking that slow can of corn.
- The fans started cheering early because they knew the high, weak hit would be a can of corn for the player waiting near second base.
- With the game on the line, the final out proved to be nothing more than a routine can of corn for the veteran outfielder.

## Origin

First attested in 1896, the phrase stems from the grocer’s method of retrieving stock from a high shelf using a long stick. A can of corn would be nudged from its position to fall toward the grocer, who would catch it in his apron or hands. The Seattle Post Intelligencer, via the Sports Answer Guy, notes this practice as the likely origin for the ease of the catch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.