circular file

English

Etymology

In reference to its (the wastebasket’s) cylindrical shape, and the action of throwing things away rather than filing them.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

circular file (plural circular files)

1. (idiomatic, humorous) The trash container; the wastebasket.

   He was completely underqualified for the job, so I put his resume directly into the circular file.

Synonyms

• round file
• circular filing cabinet

Translations

trash container, wastebasket

• German: Rundordner