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

So on paper, passing up the coin flip means missing out on a lot of value.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

And on paper, they’re both better than the Warriors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

I don’t want to say too much about what happens, because it wouldn’t be as funny on paper as it is in motion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

While the situations Ms. Abrams describes look harrowing on paper, the music never makes you feel it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

“Can you put words on paper? Oh, the frustration of this world!”

From "Raymie Nightingale" by Kate DiCamillo