—file /faɪl/
noun [C or U] (CONTAINER)
► A2 any of several different types of container used to store papers, letters, and other documents in an ordered way, especially in an office: » a box/envelope file» secret/confidential/personnel files» You'll find it in the files under 'C'.» We keep your records on file for five years.See picture: box file 
Thesaurus+: ↑Office equipment , ↑Communicating by telephone , ↑Paper and stationery
• • •
Extra Examples:» I've lost a file containing a lot of important documents.» I deleted the file by accident.» In 1982, the management ordered the deletion of all computer files on this subject.» I've reorganized my files so that I can easily find what I'm looking for.» Make a file for these documents and write 'finance' on the tab.noun [C or U] (LINE)
► F0 a long line of people or animals, one behind another: » They were horrified to see files of ants marching through the kitchen.» They walked in (single) file (= one behind another).Thesaurus+: ↑Things collected in lines or ringsnoun [C] (COMPUTER)
► A2 information stored on a computer as one unit with one name: » What's the file name?» I'm going to copy/save this file.Thesaurus+: ↑Computer conceptsnoun [C] (TOOL)
► F0 a thin, flat or rounded metal tool with rough surfaces for rubbing wooden or metal objects to make them smooth or to change their shapeSee picture: file (tool) Thesaurus+: ↑Tools , ↑Gardening toolsThesaurus+: ↑Carpentry and joinery
noun [C] (WRITTEN RECORD)
► F0 written records that are kept about a particular person or subject: » The police have opened a file on local burglaries.Thesaurus+: ↑Information and messagesverb (STORE/RECORD INFORMATION) ↑Verb Endings for file
F0 [T] to store information in a careful and particular way:
» We file these reports (= put them in a file) under country of origin.Thesaurus+: ↑Office practicesThesaurus+: ↑Classifying and creating orderF0 [T] LEGAL to officially record something, especially in a law court:
» The police filed charges against the two suspects.Thesaurus+: ↑Court cases, orders and decisionsF0 [T] News reporters file a story by sending it to their office, usually by phone, email, or other electronic method:
» Our foreign correspondent filed this report earlier today.Thesaurus+: ↑The press and news reporting• • •
Extra Examples:» If you wish to take the matter further, you can file charges against him.» Two of the directors have filed a lawsuit against their former employer.» She's filing a petition for divorce.» Please file these documents with the others.» All the folders have been carefully numbered and filed away.verb [I + adv/prep, T] (TOOL) ↑Verb Endings for file
► F0 to use a file in order to make an object smooth or to change its shape: » File (down) the sharp edges.» [+ obj + adj ] The surface had been filed smooth.» She filed her nails.Thesaurus+: ↑Making things more or less smooth or straightverb [I usually + adv/prep] (WALK IN A LINE) ↑Verb Endings for file
► F0 to walk in a line, one behind another: » The visitors filed through the entrance to the ticket offices.Thesaurus+: ↑Walking and walkers- bite back at sb/sth
- bite into sth
- bite me!
- bite off more than you can chew
- bite sb's head off
- bite-size
- bite-sized
- bite/snap sb's head off
- bite sth back
- bite the bullet
- bite the dust
- bite the hand that feeds you
- bite your lip
- bite your tongue
- biting
- bitmap
- bit part
- bits and bobs
- bits and pieces
- bitten
- bitter
- bitter chocolate
- bitter lemon
- bitterly
- bitterly cold