Meaning of junk drawer | Babel Free

Definitions

A drawer designated for the storage of various miscellaneous, small, useful items of little value.

US

Equivalents

Examples

“With a ⁵/₈-inch sandpaper disk cutter, if you happen⟳ to have⟳ one in the junk drawer, or with a brass or steel tube of the same size sharpened to an edge at one end⟳, four wheels suitable for the engine mandrel may be cut⟳ from each eraser.”

“We all know⟳ that the junk drawer doesn't really contain⟳ junk. We know⟳ junk when we see⟳ it, and that gets tossed pretty fast. It's the odds and ends that had a limited purpose once, are still functional, and one day may come⟳ in handy, but for now . . .”

“There's nothing wrong with having a junk drawer. Where else can you store those odds and ends you need⟳ from time to time. But some of what ends up in the junk drawer really is junk, such as unfixable items, pens that don't work⟳, expired coupons, and a piece to a game you sold at a garage sale five years ago.”

“Crammed with twist⟳ ties and stray screws, the standard junk drawer is a sanctuary for items we hoard out of practicality or affection or the nagging fear that "this may come⟳ in handy someday".”

“I think⟳ of the junk drawer in my kitchen and the collection of artifacts it holds that tell⟳ many tales of family, friends, and events that form⟳ the “stuff” of my life.”

CEFR level