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

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

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

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

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