The author filed off the serial numbers to hide the story's true origin.
file off the serial numbers
idiomTo alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.
Origin
disputed originFrom the practice of filing the serial numbers off of firearms in order to make their origin and ownership difficult to trace.
To avoid a copyright lawsuit, the writer filed off the serial numbers of the famous characters and renamed them.
By filing off the serial numbers of the original source material, the developer successfully transformed a fan-fiction project into an entirely original commercial game.
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circular file
The trash container; the wastebasket.
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crunch numbers
To figure; to do the math.
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dirt file
A compilation of negative gossip or facts about someone.
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do numbers
To be popular, as measured by engagement or sales metrics.
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file away
To cause oneself to remember (something); to avoid expressing a feeling, fact or idea until an appropriate time.
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make up the numbers
To provide sufficient people to make an event worthwhile.
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rank and file
The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.
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run someone's file
To search through someone's criminal record.