file away


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file away

1. To remove something with the use of a file. A noun or pronoun can be used between "file" and "away." Is it safe to file away these calluses on my feet? I need to file away the ragged edge of this nail before it catches on my pantyhose. How do I file away the rough edge here? I don't want the kids getting splinters.
2. To put paperwork into a designated file and location. A noun or pronoun can be used between "file" and "away." My assistant must have already filed away the paperwork from that meeting—I don't see it here on my desk. Hey, did you file away that new hire paperwork? Because I forgot to give you her offer letter. Have one of the interns file all these old documents away.
See also: away, file
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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 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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

file away

v.
1. To rub against something with or as if with a file until it is smooth or gone: I filed the rough skin away with a pumice stone. The foot doctor filed away my bone spurs.
2. To file some document or other material into the appropriate place: The secretary filed the legal documents away. The receptionist filed away the important memos.
See also: away, file
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

file

verb
See profile
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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