dirt file: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dirt file’ mean?
The idiom "dirt file" refers to a collection of facts or information, often negative, that is gathered about a person or organization and used for blackmail or manipulation purposes.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "inside job" refers to a crime or wrongdoing that is committed by someone within an organization or group, often involving betrayal of trust or abuse of power.
The idiom "get the goods on" means to obtain incriminating or damaging evidence against someone or to gather information that can be used against them.
The idiom "get the dirty water off one's chest" means to confess or reveal something that has been bothering or troubling someone, in order to feel a sense of relief or release from the burden.
The idiom "filthy lucre" refers to money that is obtained through dishonest or immoral means. It portrays a negative view towards wealth that is gained in an unethical or questionable manner.
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The idiom "file off the serial numbers" means to remove identifiable features or characteristics in order to hide or disguise the true origin or source of something.
The idiom "eat dirt" means to suffer a humiliating defeat or to be forced to submit to someone. It is a figurative expression that implies being in a position of inferiority or having to endure a humiliating situation.
The idiom "drag through the mud" means to publicly criticize or disgrace someone, often by spreading damaging information or accusations about them.
The idiom "drag through the mud" has a figurative meaning and is commonly used in the English language to describe the act of tarnishing or damaging someone's reputation or character. It can be traced back to around the 19th century, although its exact origins are unclear.
The idiom "do the dirty on" means to betray or deceive someone, often in a sneaky or underhanded way.
The idiom "dope sheet" refers to a document or information sheet that provides detailed and essential information about a particular subject or event.
Unveiling Hidden Scandals
Idiom: dirt file
Meaning: A collection of damaging or scandalous information about someone that can be used to blackmail or harm them
The idiom "dirt file" refers to a collection of damaging or scandalous information about someone that can be used to blackmail or harm them. The term "dirt" in this context means to have incriminating or embarrassing information about an individual. The word "file" refers to a collection or record of documents or information.
The origins of the idiom "dirt file" are unclear, but it is commonly used in American English, particularly in political and journalistic contexts, to describe the act of gathering and maintaining damaging information on a person.
The idiom implies that the information contained in a dirt file is often kept confidential or hidden from public knowledge until it is strategically used to tarnish an individual's reputation or gain leverage over them. It suggests a level of secrecy and manipulation, where the person in possession of the dirt file can exert control or influence over the subject.
The idiom "dirt file" is frequently associated with political campaigns and scandals. Opponents or rivals may try to uncover and exploit damaging information about their adversaries, in an effort to discredit them and weaken their position in the public eye. This tactic is often used to dig up dirt on opponents and dish the dirt on their personal or professional lives, tarnishing their reputation.
When someone digs up dirt on another person, they search for and uncover damaging or scandalous information. It is a way of gathering ammunition to use against someone in a conflict or competition. The dirt file becomes a weapon that can be used to harm the person in question or blackmail them.
To dish the dirt means to share or spread gossip or personal information, particularly if it is damaging or scandalous. When someone dishes the dirt, they reveal secrets or use sensitive information to harm the reputation of the person being talked about. In the context of a dirt file, someone who possesses damaging information has the ability to dish the dirt on the subject, potentially causing significant harm to their reputation.
It is important to note that the use of dirt files raises ethical concerns. The gathering and dissemination of private and potentially damaging information can infringe upon a person's privacy and reputation. While political campaigns and media outlets may justify the use of dirt files as a means of transparency or holding individuals accountable, the practice can also contribute to a climate of negativity and personal attacks in public discourse.
The idiom "dirt file" refers to a collection of damaging or scandalous information about someone that can be used to blackmail or harm them. It is associated with political campaigns and represents a tactic used to weaken opponents or gain an advantage. The origins of the idiom are unclear, but it is commonly used in American English. While the use of dirt files raises ethical concerns, it continues to be a part of political and journalistic practices.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dirt file" can be used in a sentence:
- She threatened to expose his dirt file if he didn't comply with her demands.
- The journalist claimed to have a dirt file on the corrupt politician.
- He spent years gathering information for his dirt file on his rival company.
The idiom "dirt file" refers to a collection of damaging or incriminating information about someone, often used for the purpose of blackmail or exposing their wrongdoings.
More "Scandal" idioms
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