file

*in (a) single file

Fig. lined up, one behind the other; in a line, one person or one thing wide. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~; march ~; walk ~.) Have you ever seen ducks walking in single file? Please get into single file. Please march in single file.

See also: single

file something (away)

to put something away, usually in a file folder or file cabinet. She filed the letter away for future reference. Please file away this report. You will need it some day.

file something against someone

to lodge a criminal charge against someone. Sally filed a charge of assault against Max. The old man filed charges against the attacker.

See also: against

file something away (from something) and file something off ((of) something); file something off

to remove something from something else by filing. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) The dentist filed the sharp point away from the tooth. The dentist filed away the sharp point from the tooth. The dentist filed the point off.

See also: away

file something down

to level off a protrusion by filing. File this edge down so no one gets cut on it. Please file down this edge.

file something with someone or something

to submit an application or a document to someone or a group. You must file this copy with the state office. I will file this with my boss.

file for something

to submit an application or document for something. The company filed for bankruptcy. Let's file for reorganization.

file in(to) (something)

[for a line of people] to move into something or some place. The people filed into the hall quietly. Everyone filed in quietly.

file out (of something)

[for a line of people] to move out of something or some place. The people filed quietly out of the theater. They filed out at the end.

See also: out

file past (someone or something)

[for a line or procession] to move past someone or something. The people filed past the coffin, looking sadly at the still figure inside. As they filed past, some wept openly.

See also: past

have something on file

to have a written record of something in storage. I'm sure I have your letter on file. I'll checkagain. We have your application on file somewhere.

See also: have

press charges (against someone) and file charges (against someone)

Fig. to make a formal charge of wrongdoing against someone. They agreed not to press charges against me if I agreed to pay for the damages.

See also: charge, press

rank and file 

1. Lit. regular soldiers, not the officers. I think there is low morale among the rank and file, sir. The rank and file usually do exactly as they are told.

2. Fig. the ordinary members of a group, not the leaders. The rank and file will vote on the proposed contract tomorrow. The last contract was turned down by the rank and file last year.

See also: and, rank

single file

a line of things or people, one person or one thing wide. (See also in single file.) Please get into single file. You have to march single file.

See also: single

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the rank and file

the ordinary members of an organization and not its leaders The party leadership seems to be losing the support of the rank and file.

See pull rank

See also: and, rank

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on file

stored in a particular place and arranged so it can be found easily The fingerprints on file with the police matched those taken from the body.