tin can

• Recipiente metálico, generalmente de hojalata o aluminio, usado para enlatar y almacenar alimentos, bebidas u otros productos. También puede referirse informalmente a una embarcación pequeña y barata o a un tipo de buque de guerra.

A metal container, typically made of tin-plated steel or aluminum, used for preserving and storing food, beverages, or other goods. It can also refer to a small, inexpensive boat or a type of naval vessel in informal slang.

1. Metal containerA1formal

   A small, cylindrical container made of tin or aluminum, used for storing food or drinks.

   Lata de conservas

   • She opened a tin can of beans for dinner.
   • The recycling bin is full of empty tin cans.
   • He stored the paint in a tin can.

2. Simple or makeshift objectB2informal

   Used metaphorically to describe something that is cheap, flimsy, or makeshift.

   lata improvisada

   • That old car is just a tin can on wheels.
   • The radio sounded like it was playing from a tin can.
   • He built a tin can phone as a science project.