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

Morocco aside, the front-footed look of the Scotland XIs on paper against Haiti and Brazil played into the self-proclaimed idea that Clarke had travelled to the US as a new man with fresh ideas.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Damen struggled with defence ministry demands for submissions to be on paper as well as for documentation to be in German, the paper reported in April, citing industry sources.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

That means that anyone who bought the stock after its first day of trading has lost money — at least on paper.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

If you’re like me and still love stocking up on paper coupons, use them!

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

He can’t quite capture on paper what he has in his head, but he’s learning.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman