etwas in die Tonne treten

English translation: only fit for the bin (scrap heap)

08:03 Apr 6, 2014
German to English translations [PRO]
Slang
German term or phrase: etwas in die Tonne treten
in dem Fall bezieht es sich auf Testergebnisse, die man in die Tonne treten konnte....

hätte jemand eine Idee?
Nadja Gartz
English translation:only fit for the bin (scrap heap)
Explanation:
In cases of idioms, finding the right verb is only half the job.

Variations on the theme:

go straight to/are headed (straight) for the scrap heap

Compare with link below:

"Recycling policies fit for the scrap heap, report finds"
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/recycling-policies-fit-f...
Selected response from:

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 18:04
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +4only fit for the bin (scrap heap)
Michael Martin, MA
3to scrap
Klaus Conrad
3to bin something (as useless)
BrigitteHilgner
3throw to the wind
Wendy Streitparth
3aren't worth the paper their written on
Ramey Rieger (X)


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


19 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
to scrap


Explanation:
Etwas in die Tonne treten means it has no worth.

Klaus Conrad
Local time: 23:04
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
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35 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
to bin something (as useless)


Explanation:
Mein Vorschlag

BrigitteHilgner
Austria
Local time: 23:04
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 8
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +4
only fit for the bin (scrap heap)


Explanation:
In cases of idioms, finding the right verb is only half the job.

Variations on the theme:

go straight to/are headed (straight) for the scrap heap

Compare with link below:

"Recycling policies fit for the scrap heap, report finds"
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/recycling-policies-fit-f...

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 18:04
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Naddi21: this fits best - thank you
16 mins
  -> Thanks, Naddi!

agree  Lonnie Legg
3 hrs
  -> Thank you, Lonnie!

agree  Nicole Schnell
15 hrs
  -> Thank you, Nicole!

agree  Harald Moelzer (medical-translator)
20 hrs
  -> Thanks much, Harald!
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3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
throw to the wind


Explanation:
throw to the wind (idiomatic): To discard or dispense with, especially in an abrupt or reckless manner
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/throw_to_the_wind#English

Wendy Streitparth
Germany
Local time: 23:04
Native speaker of: English
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10 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
aren't worth the paper their written on


Explanation:
an alternative

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 22 hrs (2014-04-07 06:09:49 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

SORRY! Not worth the paper THEY'RE written on!

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 23:04
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 27
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