The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TOOLKIT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
O
O
L
K
I
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "place for files, clippers etc" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case place for files, clippers etc = toolkit.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TOOLKIT mean?
TOOLKIT noun- An assembly of tools.
- A set of basic components for developing software.