circular file en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
In reference to the wastebasket's cylindrical shape, and the act of throwing things away rather than filing them in cabinets.
Meanings
-
(humorous, idiomatic) The trash container; the wastebasket.
If it's good trash, read it. Bad trash? Chuck it in the circular file.
1988, Donald H. Weiss, Improve Your Reading Power, AMACOM, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 9:He was completely underqualified for the job, so I put his resume directly into the circular file.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| circular files | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
waste bin · round file · trash bin · file 13 · bin · wastebin · circular filing cabinet · garbage can · trash can · garbage pail · trashbin · trashcan
Translations (1)
de Rundordner (trash container, wastebasket)