circular file: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Ironic, Humorous, Business Jargon
Quick answer
What does “circular file” mean?
A humorous, ironic, or euphemistic term for a wastebasket or rubbish bin, especially as a metaphorical destination for unwanted documents.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A humorous, ironic, or euphemistic term for a wastebasket or rubbish bin, especially as a metaphorical destination for unwanted documents.
A metaphorical place where useless or undesired paperwork is discarded, often implying a lack of consideration or a polite refusal. Sometimes used as a verb phrase 'to file in the circular file' or 'to be circular-filed'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is equally understood, but physical referent differs slightly. 'Circular file' is more common in American business/informal contexts. In the UK, 'round file' is a more frequent variant, and 'waste paper basket' (or 'bin') is the standard term for the object.
Connotations
The connotation of bureaucratic cynicism or discreet dismissal is consistent in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally more recognised in AmE corporate jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “circular file” in a Sentence
[Agent] threw/consigned/tossed [Document] into the circular file.[Document] got circular-filed.[Agent] gave [Document] the circular file treatment.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circular file” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm afraid that proposal got circular-filed by the committee before the meeting even started.
- He took one look at the lengthy form and promptly circular-filed it.
American English
- The manager circular-filed my suggestion without reading it.
- Any unsolicited résumés will be circular-filed immediately.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used humorously among colleagues to describe ignoring or discarding a proposal, memo, or report deemed unimportant or futile. 'Don't bother with that memo; it's headed straight for the circular file.'
Academic
Extremely rare. Might appear in informal discussions about administrative paperwork.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be used by someone with office experience in a domestic context. 'That junk mail went right into the circular file.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields except as incidental office humour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “circular file”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circular file”
- Using it in formal writing. Treating it as a real, formal filing system. Incorrect: 'Please retrieve the Q3 report from the circular file.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a real filing system. It is a humorous metaphor for a wastebasket or rubbish bin.
Yes, informally. For example, 'to circular-file something' means to throw it in the trash, especially in a business context.
It is not offensive, but it is cynical and informal. Using it to describe someone else's work to their face would be rude.
The concept is the same, but the variant 'round file' is slightly more common in the UK. The standard term for the object is simply 'waste paper basket' or 'bin'.
A humorous, ironic, or euphemistic term for a wastebasket or rubbish bin, especially as a metaphorical destination for unwanted documents.
Circular file is usually informal, ironic, humorous, business jargon in register.
Circular file: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.kjə.lə faɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.kjə.lɚ faɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Meet a circular fate.”
- “Take the express route to the circular file.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a round (circular) bin where you 'file' papers you'll never look at again. The phrase turns the serious idea of 'filing' into a joke about throwing things away.
Conceptual Metaphor
DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT IS PHYSICAL STORAGE (but subverted); DISMISSAL IS DISCARDING; REJECTION IS PHYSICAL DISPOSAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following situations would the term 'circular file' be MOST appropriately used?