dispatch box

Học thuật
Thân thiện
dispatch box

The courier places the dispatch box on the desk.

Definition

Noun: 1. A specific type of locked case: A dispatch box is an oblong, often rectangular, container designed with a lock. Its primary, traditional purpose is for the secure transportation of important documents, such as official dispatches, government papers, or other valuable items. 2. A symbolic object in government: In British parliamentary tradition, the term specifically refers to the box placed on the Table of the House of Commons from which ministers speak when addressing the chamber. It is a symbol of official communication.

Usage Examples
  • Noun (Physical Container):
    • The courier carried the sensitive treaty in a red leather dispatch box.
    • The antique dispatch box contained centuries-old letters and seals.
  • Noun (Parliamentary Object):
    • The Chancellor of the Exchequer opened his budget speech by placing his notes on the dispatch box.
    • Ministers must speak from behind the dispatch box when making official statements to the House.
Advanced Usage
  • "To speak from/at the dispatch box": This is a formal parliamentary phrase meaning to make an official statement in the House of Commons. It implies the speaker is acting in their official ministerial capacity.
    • The Prime Minister's announcement at the dispatch box was met with silence from the opposition.
Variants and Related Words
  • Dispatch case: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "dispatch box" to refer to the physical container.
  • Despatch box: An alternative, less common spelling of "dispatch box," identical in meaning.
  • Red Box: In UK government context, this is a specific type of ministerial dispatch box used to carry official documents. The Chancellor's budget box is a famous example.
Synonyms
  • Document case: A general term for a case designed to hold papers.
  • Courier case: Emphasizes the function of secure transport.
  • Attaché case: A similar small, flat case for carrying documents, though not necessarily locked or for official dispatches.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "The contents of the dispatch box": This phrase can refer literally to the documents inside the case, or figuratively to the substance of an official ministerial statement.
    • The nation awaited the contents of the dispatch box, which would reveal the new economic policy.
dispatch box

The courier places the dispatch box on the desk.

Noun
  1. case consisting of an oblong container (usually having a lock) for carrying dispatches or other valuables

Từ đồng nghĩa