Crossword Genius

The reptile file (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crocodile

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'the reptile' is the first definition.
(crocodile is a kind of reptile)

'file' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crocodile that I've seen before include "handbag material?" , "Recoil, doc, from the reptile" , "False tears, possibly" , "children in pairs?" , "Reptile - line of schoolchildren" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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