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Paper trail
01
a collection of documents that provide written or recorded version of someone's activities
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
paper trail
n
Example
The company kept a meticulous paper trail of all its business transactions.
The detective followed the suspect's paper trail to uncover the financial irregularities.
The auditor reviewed the paper trail of expenses to identify any discrepancies.
In the absence of a paper trail, it can be challenging to reconstruct what happened.
A well-maintained paper trail is essential for demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.
