Knacker's yard
noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
- 1 The area of a slaughterhouse where carcasses unfit for human consumption or other purposes are rendered down to produce useful materials such as glue.
"CXXV. The Commissioners may license such slaughter-house and knacker's yards^([sic]) as they from time to time think proper for slaughtering cattle within the limits of the special Act. CXXVI. No place shall be used or occupied as a slaughter-house or knacker's yard within the said limits which was not in such use and occupation at the time of the passing of the special Act, [...]"
- 2 A (notional) place to send a person or object that is spent beyond all reasonable use. colloquial, figuratively
"I’ve never met someone so incompetent. He’s only fit for the knacker’s yard."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
More examples"CXXV. The Commissioners may license such slaughter-house and knacker's yards^([sic]) as they from time to time think proper for slaughtering cattle within the limits of the special Act. CXXVI. No place shall be used or occupied as a slaughter-house or knacker's yard within the said limits which was not in such use and occupation at the time of the passing of the special Act, [...]"
Etymology
From knacker (“one who slaughters and (especially) renders worn-out livestock (especially horses) and sells their flesh, bones and hides”) + -'s + yard.