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Glite Dictionary
to file off the serial numbers

to file off the serial numbers

9.4
Remove or hide marks that show where something comes from
  • phrasal verb
  • NSFW
translation icon : limar los números de serie
  • You just filed off the serial number.

Examples

  • The thief decided to file off the serial numbers from the stolen equipment to avoid detection.

  • Hoping to get rid of the evidence, he used a grinder to file off the serial numbers on the firearms.

  • To sell the stolen laptops, the criminal had to file off the serial numbers first.

Synonyms

to erase
vsto file off the serial numbers
144 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

is done specifically to hide origin rather than simply remove general content
to file off
vsto file off the serial numbers
3 5.2

To rub a surface with a small rough tool to remove something

does the same physical action but done specifically to conceal origin or source
to anonymize
vsto file off the serial numbers
  • Specialized
1 6.3

Remove or hide personal details so a person cannot be recognized

aims to hide origin or source of an object rather than a person's identity
to disidentify
vsto file off the serial numbers
  • Specialized
9.5

Remove personal details from data so a person cannot be easily found

focuses on removing physical marks to hide where something came from

Antonyms

to identify
∞ 1.8

Say who someone is or what something is

to mark
203 1.4

Use a sign or symbol to identify something

Surface Forms

file off the serial numbers infinitive
filed off the serial numbers past
filed off the serial numbers past participle
filing off the serial numbers present participle
files off the serial numbers third person singular

Morphology

file + off + the + serial + number

The meaning is compositionally derivable: 'file' (to abrade or remove material) + 'off' (remove) applied to 'serial numbers' (identifying numeric marks) yields 'remove identifying marks by filing'. This is a literal, action-based construction that a B1 learner who knows the constituents and basic phrasal-verb pattern would readily understand.

Etymology

File off the serial numbers comes from a real action: someone uses a metal file to rub away the small stamped serial numbers on a gun or machine so it cannot be traced. So today it means 'to remove identifying marks' or 'to hide where something came from'.