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

“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

While reviewing your records, gather documentation of your earnings for those years, especially if you believe the agency has the wrong income information on file.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

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

Wright was convicted after his DNA, on file from his Brook Hotel theft conviction, matched samples taken from the victims.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026

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