paper chase
Americannoun
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the effort to earn a diploma or college degree, especially in law, or a professional certificate or license.
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the writing of assignments and reports, collecting of supporting documents, filling out of forms, and other paperwork necessary to obtain a college degree or a professional certificate or license, apply for financial aid or a bank loan, etc.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of paper chase
First recorded in 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I just read like crazy all the time,” said King, who has turned her paper chase into something of a cause.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2025
Like all migrants, he then had to contend with obstacles ranging from the paper chase needed for a bank account and apartment, through to just getting an appointment to have his work permit approved.
From Reuters ● Feb. 23, 2023
On a frigid Friday in February, the place was packed with after-work patrons sloshing away memories of the paper chase.
From New York Times ● Mar. 25, 2015
But the real thrill of the paper chase lies in the sense of possibility.
From Slate ● Feb. 18, 2013
"You'll join us at the Wilkeshire hunt in a paper chase this afternoon, surely, Mr. Del Mar?"
From The Romance of Elaine Sequel to "Exploits of Elaine" by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
