What is the origin of the idiom "paper trail" and when to use it?

The idiom "paper trail" originates from the literal use of the word "trail" to refer to a track or path, and "paper" in this context signifies the written documentation that leaves a trace or path of evidence. The term has been in use since at least the early 20th century. This expression is used to describe a series of documents, records, or written evidence that chronicles a sequence of events or transactions.