file away

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?
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.
See also: away, file
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.

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.

file

verb
See profile
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • bring away
  • blaze away
  • blaze away at (someone or something)
  • bury away
  • chew away
  • boring
  • borne
  • bear away
  • chuck away
  • cut away
References in periodicals archive
It's difficult to work in a cluttered space, so file away all material not relevant to the job in hand, and concentrate on one thing at a time.
Manage your time better
A good night's sleep may help your brain permanently file away lessons learned during the day.
Storing memories before bedtime
According to the Rheingold Web site, the campaign challenges Bloomberg's "attempts to 'San Francisco-fy' the city," presumably by trying to file away New York's rough edges.
When ads campaign
Fortunately, "Office"-philes can file away the DVD of the first season, which the BBC released last month.
Brit wit cables across the Pond
It was that close and O'Sullivan rued the game as 'one that got away' - but he urged his side not to dwell on the might-have-beens, file away the disappointment and spend the next week preparing mentally and physically for a huge French challenge.
O'Sullivan sets his sights on the semis
Of course, by the time we got the camera out, the fun is over, but it's a sight to file away in the old grey cells.'' Running repairs will be carried out to the Spirit of Cardiff when it arrives in Panama, after the battering it has received from the weather in recent days.
Treat for crew amid strain of challenge
I empathize deeply with Bruce MacDonald in his perplexity of having to file away the most valuable passport in the world and give up everything to be with the one he loves ["'Til Uncle Sam Do Us Part," September 14].
Reader forum
Cooper's research also indicates that the brain takes a break every 15-20 minutes to file away what it has been experiencing.
Increase your energy and effectiveness
Also, make sure you file away the various documents you'll need to complete the tax return - sending off for duplicates could hold things up later on.
Tax return perils trigger the need for rapid response