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

That means that if prediction-market traders don’t read the fine print closely, they are taking on additional risk in a market where they stand to lose everything if they guess incorrectly.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

Still, many Kalshi traders were irate that a seemingly simple question on the prediction market could be undone by the fine print.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

There’s always some story buried in court filings, hidden in regulatory fine print, happening in some courthouse you may not have heard of that actually matters.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

Instead, Jerry takes every shortcut he can without considering the ethical fine print, aligning himself with Carl and Gaear and corrupting his soul in the process.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

But let Aunt Pooh tell it, that’s just fine print.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas