Refer to drawer

When a cheque bounces, the bank returns the same to the account holder with the request, “Refer to drawer.” The same phrase is also used sarcastically when the intention is not to respond to a letter immediately so that it is consigned to an already crowded drawer of the table.

Sri Aurobindo was a beneficiary of this “Refer to drawer” syndrome in a most crucial moment. The proposal for his deportation from Puducherry was being handled by The Mother’s brother who safely kept the file in his office drawer. And the matter got buried. [TNM]