Kicking the can down the road
Meaning
To avoid dealing with a problem or making a difficult decision, usually by delaying it until a later time or passing it to others.
Origin
Imagine a child on a lazy afternoon, aimlessly shuffling a tin can along a dusty street. They're not playing with it, not throwing it away, just nudging it forward, delaying the inevitable moment they have to pick it up or leave it behind. This simple, common image is the vivid heart of "kicking the can down the road." The phrase exploded into public consciousness, particularly in 20th-century American politics and business, capturing the exasperation felt when difficult decisions are perpetually postponed, never truly resolved, merely shunted off to a future problem for someone else to deal with. It's the ultimate symbol of inaction, a casual deferral of responsibility that feels endless.
Examples
- Instead of addressing the budget deficit now, politicians are once again kicking the can down the road, leaving the tough choices for the next administration.
- My boss has a habit of kicking the can down the road on project deadlines, which always creates a last-minute rush.