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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on file

“I’d often get a call that would say, ‘Hey, we need to be on file with this in less than 24 hours, get whatever resources you need, just make it happen,’” Hilton recalls.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026

When he had to fill out paperwork, his wife was contacted even though all his details were on file.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

By matching permits to investor owners, The Times found that plans are on file for two-thirds of their parcels, 50% higher than the overall rate for Altadena.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

When he called, he said, the representative didn’t have anything on file about the update, so he completed a new form.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026

She finally hangs up, and I begin my quest: "I'd like to review the documents on file for building projects that come before the city council."

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped

---