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

When ballots are sent by mail, election officials are required to verify a voter’s signature on the ballot by comparing it with the signature on the official voter registration records on file.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 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

But Grok is now telling people asking it to make such material that only paid subscribers would be able to do so - meaning their name and payment information must be on file.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Companies such as travel-booking site Klook, crypto assets platform BitGo and construction equipment rental EquipmentShare are on file to go public and may hit markets next year, Bochanis said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

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

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped