in single file
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Related to in single file: in the first place, rub off, follow suit, catch up, the likes of, pat on the back
in single file
In a line one person or one thing in width. The students lined up and walked in single file into the auditorium. Cyclists are reminded to please ride in single file on roads to avoid obstructing traffic.
*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.
single file, in
Also, in Indian file. Aligned one behind the other, as in We have to bike in single file here, or The children were told to march in Indian file. Both usages are associated with military formations; the first term was first recorded in 1670; the variant, alluding to the usual marching order of Native Americans, was first recorded in 1758.
See also: single