fine print

American  

[fahyn] / faɪn /

noun

1. printed matter in small-sized type.

2. the detailed wording of a contract, lease, insurance policy, or the like, often set in type smaller than the main body of the document and including general restrictions or qualifications that could be considered disadvantageous.

   Make sure you read the fine print before signing.

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fine print British  

noun

1. Also called: small print.  matter set in small type, as in a contract, esp considered as containing unfavourable conditions that the signer might overlook

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Other Word Forms

• fine-print adjective

Etymology

Origin of fine print

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Employers will be busy in 2026 trying to understand the accounts’ fine print and whether they are worth contributing to, said Amber Salotto, managing director in RSM US’ Washington National Tax practice.

From MarketWatch

Such is the surreal nature of this bout that some have questioned its legitimacy, with rumours circulating about contractual fine print - including suggestions Joshua may be restricted from knocking Paul out.

From BBC

By more closely reading the fine print and continuing to contribute to a savings account, you can hopefully feel better prepared for expenses like this.

From MarketWatch

“When Merz announced his €500 billion infrastructure fund, nobody read the fine print that this was over 10 years,” comments Michael Field, European equity strategist at Morningstar.

From Barron's

There’s a lot of fine print on QCDs, but as more financial advisers and retirees become aware, they’ve been using the process.

From MarketWatch