Kick the can down the road意思

"Kick the can down the road" is an English idiom that means to postpone or delay dealing with a problem or an issue, often without solving it. It implies that the issue will continue to exist and may need to be addressed in the future, but for the time being, it is being ignored or put off.

The origin of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have come from a children's game where players kick a can and then run away, trying to avoid being the one who is "it" when the can is kicked again. In this context, "kicking the can" refers to the act of restarting the game, which allows players to avoid being tagged and prolongs the game.

In a metaphorical sense, "kicking the can down the road" suggests that the problem is being passed on to future generations or future decision-makers rather than being tackled head-on. It is often used in politics, economics, and other areas where difficult decisions need to be made.