Etymology

bottom drawer syndrome

Today it means: The situation where information is hidden or discarded because it is undesirable in some way, e.g. unfavourable research results. Full definition →

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The story

The lowest drawer in a piece of furniture might be expected to contain less important items; also, a researcher might quietly tuck undesirable findings into a desk drawer where no one else will see them.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.