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

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

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

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

But Mrs. Richardson managed to learn, through some artful questioning, that the address on file for Mia Wright had been a local one, with no parents listed.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

Related Words

• documented
• listed
• registered
• reported
• taped