waste-basket
Definition
- Noun:
- Container for discarded material: A "waste-basket" is a small open container, typically found in offices or homes, used for holding trash or waste paper.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She crumpled the letter and tossed it into the waste-basket. (A container for unwanted paper or rubbish.)
- The janitor emptied all the waste-baskets in the classroom after school. (He removed the trash from each small bin.)
Advanced Usage
"to throw something in the waste-basket": to discard something as useless or unimportant.
- After reading the draft, he threw it in the waste-basket. (He decided the draft was not worth keeping.)
"to be filed in the waste-basket": a humorous way to say something is rejected or ignored.
- That proposal will be filed in the waste-basket. (The proposal will be dismissed or discarded.)
Variants and Related Words
Wastepaper basket (n): a basket or container specifically for waste paper; a synonym for waste-basket.
- The office wastepaper basket was overflowing with old reports. (The bin for paper waste was full.)
Trash can (n): a larger container for general waste, often with a lid.
- The trash can in the kitchen is for food scraps and packaging. (A larger bin for household refuse.)
Synonyms
- Bin: a container for storing waste.
- Rubbish bin: a container for unwanted items.
- Litter basket: a public container for small waste.
Related Idioms
To throw something in the waste-basket: to discard or reject something completely.
- The editor threw the entire manuscript in the waste-basket. (The manuscript was rejected outright.)
To go to the waste-basket: to be eliminated or considered worthless.
- All his hard work went to the waste-basket when the project was cancelled. (His efforts were wasted.)