# run someone's file

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-someones-file
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To search through someone's criminal record.

## Examples

- The officer decided to run his file at the station.
- After the suspect gave a fake name, the detective went to the computer to run his file.
- The investigator insisted that they run the file of every person present before allowing anyone to leave the building.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.