on file

Idioms  

1. In or as if in a record for easy reference. For example, There's no job open right now, but we'll keep your résumé on file. The use of file in the sense of “a collection of papers stored for ready reference” dates from the early 1600s.

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Example Sentences

The FWC said the owner of Sloth World has a permit for wildlife on file.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

In addition, the account allows you to review the information the agency has on file, including your earnings history and addresses.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

In the Texas Panhandle, Potter County elections officials quickly confirmed through DPS that three of nine voters on their list had proof of citizenship on file.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

The state mandates an inspection if one isn’t on file under the current owner; most post-1999 historic tag holders are in that position, the MVA said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Today most Americans have their tissue on file somewhere.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped