Carry Tom Means Blame Responsible Military Expression Originally

To carry the can means to take the blame for something, even though others are also responsible.

This was probably a military expression originally. It is thought to refer to the man chosen to carry the beer container for a group of soldiers.

“Jack and Tom had been playing football near the house, where they knew they shouldn’t play. When the ball broke a window, Tom decided to carry the can, even though it had been his younger brother who had actually kicked the ball.”