file

/fail/
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file

The student uses a file to smooth the edge of a wooden block.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A tool for smoothing or shaping: A hand tool, often made of steel, with a rough surface covered in small sharp teeth, used to smooth, shape, or reduce materials like wood or metal.
    • A container or system for organizing documents: A folder, cabinet, or digital structure used to keep papers or electronic records in order.
    • A line or queue: A line of people or things arranged one behind the other.
    • A collection of data: A set of related records or information kept together as a unit, either in physical or digital form.
  2. Verb:

    • To place in an organized container for storage: To put documents or records into a system for orderly keeping.
    • To submit formally: To present or lodge an official document, such as a legal charge, application, or complaint, with an authority.
    • To proceed in a line: To walk or move in a single line or queue.
    • To smooth or shape with a file: To use a file tool to abrade a surface.
    • To place on public record: To register a document officially with a court or public office.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • I need a metal file to smooth the edge of this bracket. (Tool)
    • Please put the invoice in the correct client file. (Container for documents)
    • The soldiers stood in a single file. (Line)
    • I can't find the image file on my computer. (Collection of digital data)
  • Verb:

    • Please file these reports alphabetically. (Place in order)
    • They plan to file a lawsuit against the company. (Submit formally)
    • The students filed quietly into the auditorium. (Proceed in a line)
    • She filed her nails before the meeting. (Smooth with a tool)
    • He filed for bankruptcy last year. (Place on public record)
Advanced Usage
  • "To file away": To store something systematically, often implying it is being put aside for future reference.
    • After the project ended, we filed away all the correspondence.
  • "To file down": To reduce the size or smooth the surface of something using a file.
    • The carpenter filed down the rough spot on the table leg.
  • "On file": Recorded and kept in the official collection of documents.
    • We have your application on file and will contact you soon.
Variants and Related Words
  • Filer (n): A person or tool that files.
  • Filing (n): 1. The act of using a file tool. 2. The act of submitting a document. 3. A particle removed by a file.
  • File cabinet (n): A piece of office furniture with drawers for storing files.
  • Filename (n): The name given to a computer file.
Synonyms
  • Noun (Tool): Rasp, grater.
  • Noun (Container): Folder, dossier, portfolio.
  • Noun (Line): Queue, column, row.
  • Verb (Submit): Lodge, register, submit.
  • Verb (Smooth): Abrade, rasp, sand.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • File for: To make a formal application for something (e.g., divorce, bankruptcy).
    • She decided to file for divorce.
  • File in/out: To enter or exit in an orderly line.
    • The audience filed out of the theater after the show.
  • File away: To put documents into storage systematically.
    • He filed the old contracts away in the archive.
Related Idioms
  • Rank and file: The ordinary members of a group or organization, not the leaders.
    • The new policy was unpopular with the rank and file of the union.
  • Single file: A line of people or things arranged one behind the other.
    • Walk in single file along the narrow path.
file

The student uses a file to smooth the edge of a wooden block.

Noun
  1. a steel hand tool with small sharp teeth on some or all of its surfaces; used for smoothing wood or metal
  2. office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order
  3. a line of persons or things ranged one behind the other
  4. a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
Verb
  1. place in a container for keeping records
    • File these bills, please
  2. file a formal charge against
    • The suspect was charged with murdering his wife
  3. proceed in line
    • The students filed into the classroom
  4. smooth with a file
    • file one's fingernails
  5. record in a public office or in a court of law
    • file for divorce
    • file a complaint