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

See Examples For:

on paper

The romance was short-lived, but the bond was long lasting—at least on paper.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

It’s a strategy that often works better on paper than in reality.

From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2026

There are logical reasons why the Aston Martin-Honda package - so strong on paper - has not yet come together.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

"This moves us closer to understanding why some people decline faster than others, even when they have similar risk on paper," CPH Director Professor Simon Laws said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

We had to sign up on paper and tell her which programs we wanted to watch, why, and how it would contribute to our education.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals