tickler
/'tiklə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A reminder system: A physical or digital file, list, or calendar used to organize and remind someone of tasks, appointments, or important dates that need to be addressed in the future. Its purpose is to "tickle" or jog the memory. 2. A difficult problem: (Archaic/less common) A puzzling or tricky question or problem.
Examples of Usage
- As a reminder system:
- I put that invoice in my tickler file so I remember to pay it next month.
- Her digital tickler sends her an alert for all upcoming deadlines.
- The manager reviews the project tickler every Monday morning.
Advanced Usage
- "Tickler file": This is a very common compound phrase specifying the system. It often refers to a physical set of folders organized by date (e.g., 1-31 for days of the month, or Jan-Dec for months).
- The traditional tickler file is still used by many executives for its tactile reliability.
Variants and Related Words
- To tickle (verb): The root verb meaning to touch lightly to provoke a sensation or laughter, or metaphorically, to excite or intrigue. The noun "tickler" derives from this metaphorical sense of stimulating the memory.
- Tickler system (noun phrase): Another term for an organized reminder process.
Synonyms
- Reminder file
- Follow-up file
- Pending file
- Calendar (in the context of scheduling reminders)
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "To tickle the ivories": (Idiom) This is a playful idiom for playing the piano. It is related to the root verb "to tickle" but is not directly related to the noun "tickler" meaning a reminder system.
Noun
- a file of memoranda or notices that remind of things to be done