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.

---

Example Sentences

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

Stearn said he was unaware of the suspended status until The Times notified him about it, and noted that it appeared the state agency had the wrong address on file for the foundation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 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

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