file off
C1 neutral mixed both
In simple words
To rub something away with a rough tool, or to leave in a neat line.
Literal meaning: To use a file to remove material from an object; or to move off in a file (line).
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To remove material such as rust, a burr, or a sharp edge from an object by rubbing with a file.
"He filed off the rough burr on the metal pipe before connecting it."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral
To leave or depart in a single-file line.
"After the ceremony, the honour guard filed off the stage in perfect formation."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Has two distinct uses: the physical act of removing material with a file (transitive, separable) and the movement sense of departing in a line (intransitive, inseparable). The movement sense is less common than 'file out'.
Commonly used with
rust burr edge serial number soldiers mourners
Forms
Base
file off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
files off
he/she/it
Past simple
filed off
yesterday
Past participle
filed off
have + pp
-ing form
filing off
continuous
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