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 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

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

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

It’s a good idea for both of you to have an account, given that it lets people review earnings history, personal information on file, and benefit estimates at different claiming ages.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 9, 2026

I repeat: "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