circular file

circular firing squad

A political party or other group experiencing considerable disarray because the members are engaging in internal disputes and mutual recrimination.

dirt file

A compilation of negative gossip or facts about someone.

file away

To cause oneself to remember (something); to avoid expressing a feeling, fact or idea until an appropriate time.

file off the serial numbers

To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.

rank and file

The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.

run someone's file

To search through someone's criminal record.