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

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

A recent Times review found that the county had rebuild applications pending for over 3,000 residents; 1,400 applications were on file with the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

“Apparently they do have them. Bunny was in the Boy Scouts and his troop went in and was fingerprinted for some kind of Law Enforcement badge, years ago. They’re still on file somewhere.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped