Definition

1. Noun:
   • A humorous or euphemistic term for a wastebasket or trash can: The phrase "circular file" is a slang expression, often used in office or business contexts, to refer to a receptacle for discarded paper and other rubbish. It humorously implies that unwanted documents are filed away by being thrown into the trash, where they metaphorically go in a "circle" to disposal.

Usage

• The term is typically used in informal or humorous speech to soften the act of discarding something, especially paperwork.
• It is often employed when someone wants to dismiss or reject a document, idea, or proposal without being overtly blunt.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I'm afraid that outdated report went straight into the circular file. (Meaning: I threw the report in the trash.)
  • If the proposal has no merit, just put it in the circular file. (Meaning: Discard the proposal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to consign/commit something to the circular file": A formal-sounding phrase used humorously to mean to throw something away.
  • After reading the poorly researched memo, he consigned it to the circular file.

Variants and Related Words

• Wastebasket (n): A more standard term for a small container for trash, especially paper.
• Trash can (n): A general term for a container for rubbish.
• File thirteen (n, slang): Another humorous office slang term with the same meaning as "circular file."

Synonyms

• Wastepaper basket: A container for discarded paper.
• Bin: A general term for a container for waste.

Related Phrases

• Round file (n, slang): A less common variant with the same humorous meaning as "circular file."

Noun

1. a container with an open top; for discarded paper and other rubbish