circular file

English

Etymology

In reference to the wastebasket's cylindrical shape, and the act of throwing things away rather than filing them in cabinets.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

circular file (plural circular files)

  1. (idiomatic, humorous) The trash container; the wastebasket.
    Synonyms: round file, circular filing cabinet
    He was completely underqualified for the job, so I put his resume directly into the circular file.

Translations

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