scrap iron

American  

noun

1. old iron to be remelted or reworked.

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Etymology

Origin of scrap iron

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Jakarta sent the shipment back as it clamped down on scrap iron and steel imports amid a scandal over alleged radioactive contamination of food products.

From Barron's

At a public hearing, Tilted Arc was lambasted as "garbage", "hideous", "an irritant", "a calculated offence" and "scrap iron" - and a jury that had been chosen to settle the matter voted for its removal.

From BBC

Organisers unveiled the medals which have hexagon-shaped tokens forged out of scrap iron from the monument embedded in them.

From BBC

They are then attached to the cable - which can also be scrap iron - using ropes.

From BBC

“It’s only scrap iron. The focus is rightly on the people inside and the efficiency of the car.”

From New York Times