on paper

Idioms  

1. In theory, hypothetically, as in Considering casualties, on paper the Americans won the Vietnam War, or They are a good team on paper but not so in the field. This metaphoric expression contrasts something written down with concrete reality. [Late 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Tupaarnaq says: "Respect is about more than alliances on paper. When powerful nations talk about you instead of with you, that respect disappears very quickly."

From BBC

Chevron accounts for about one-fifth of Venezuela’s crude production of about 1 million barrels a day, and on paper would have the clearest path after years of troubles for the Venezuelan oil industry.

From MarketWatch

Chevron accounts for about one-fifth of Venezuela’s crude production of about 1 million barrels a day, and on paper would have the clearest path after years of troubles for the Venezuelan oil industry.

From MarketWatch

Chevron accounts for about one-fifth of Venezuela’s crude-oil production and on paper would have the clearest path after years of troubles for the Venezuelan oil industry.

From MarketWatch

A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings.

From Barron's