be canned—(U.S. sl.) be expelled or dismissed from one’s employment:
- When the coach was fired, some said he was canned for siding with John.
be in the can—(sl.)
1. (of a movie, etc.) be finished and ready:
- The scene was “in the can” after twenty-five retakes.
2. (U.S.) be in prison:
- I know that he spent two years in the can for armed robbery.