Words / B2

BREEFK-ays/ˈbriːfkeɪs/

A briefcase is a flat case with a handle for carrying papers to work: a locked briefcase; briefcase in the photograph. Portfolio and attaché case are close twins; backpack is everyday. A briefcase in the photograph is a source, not a brand. Mix-up: briefcase vs brief (the legal papers inside); suitcase; do not write briefcase for a laptop-bag slogan with no hearing or papers in the source.

Meaning

A flat case with a handle for carrying papers to work.

Examples

• “A briefcase in the photograph is a source, not a brand; still name the hearing if given.”
• “The brief in the case file is the legal papers, which is not this headword unless the source names the case.”

Good to know

a briefcase; a locked briefcase. Close: portfolio / attaché case. Related: brief (legal papers). Trap: suitcase. Citizenship, history, and media. A case for work papers — treat the photo as a source.

Near in meaning

portfolio, attaché case, document case

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