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

See Examples For:

on file

While the tax putatively applies only to non-primary residences not occupied or leased, there’s no simple way for the city to determine this based on its records on file.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

“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

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

The jury could not reach a verdict on the assault charge and the Crown Prosecution Service did not seek a retrial, so the count was allowed to lie on file.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

"A copy will be on file . . ." Judge Ford began.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped