Crossword Genius

Explain trial using bag full of documents (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

briefcase

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'bag full of documents' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'explain trial' is the wordplay.
'explain' becomes 'brief' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'trial' becomes 'case' (as in a legal case).
'brief'+'case'='BRIEFCASE'

'using' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for briefcase that I've seen before include "Portable receptacle for documents" , "One transfers papers" , "Container for carrying papers" , "One may hold papers" , "Carrying container for files" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app