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

“Some of the teams that may spend the most money or on paper may have the most talent don’t necessarily win,” McCollum said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Churchill not only liked to get something down on paper as soon as he possibly could, but he demanded to see at once how what he had dictated looked like in type,” Mr. Stiles writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

That looks pretty good on paper, but there’s a significant caveat.

From Salon

These two have now merged their lists, giving them a clear lead over Moudenc on paper.

From BBC

"I think on paper lessons have been learned, but not put into practice," Michelle said.

From BBC