paper chase

American  

noun

1. the effort to earn a diploma or college degree, especially in law, or a professional certificate or license.

2. 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.

3. hare and hounds.

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paper chase British  

noun

1. a former type of cross-country run in which a runner laid a trail of paper for others to follow

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Other Word Forms

• paper chaser noun
• paper-chasing adjective

Etymology

Origin of paper chase

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

“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

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

To the north, the paper chase makes up 17% of the medical costs in Canada.

From Washington Times

But the decision to marry in Istanbul, whose mosques reminded Khashoggi of his hometown Medina, set off a paper chase that ultimately ended in death.

From Reuters

The decision to marry in Istanbul, whose mosques reminded Khashoggi of his hometown Medina, set off a paper chase that ultimately ended in Khashoggi’s disappearance.

From Reuters