dirt file
A compilation of negative gossip or facts about someone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The rival candidate kept a dirt file on his opponent.”
“During the heated election, the campaign manager searched for a dirt file to damage the reputation of the other party.”
“The investigative journalist spent years compiling a comprehensive dirt file, documenting every questionable decision the executive had made throughout his long career.”
- 01
circular file
The trash container; the wastebasket.
- 02
dig up dirt
To examine in order to find negative information for public opinion, usually with the purpose of embarrassing or discrediting a person.
- 03
dish the dirt
To tell salacious gossip.
- 04
eat dirt
To eat humble pie.
- 05
file away
To cause oneself to remember (something); to avoid expressing a feeling, fact or idea until an appropriate time.
- 06
file off the serial numbers
To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.
- 07
hit pay dirt
To strike it rich; to get lucky or have a big break.
- 08
rank and file
The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.
Last updated August 10, 2026