Ever wondered how many phrases include the word “paper”? In this post, we explore various idioms that have something to do with paper. These expressions are used often in English and can be fun to learn, especially for kids! Let’s dive into the world of “paper” idioms and find out what they really mean.
Paper Idioms
Here are 20 paper idioms in English.
1. Paper over the cracks
Meaning: To cover up a problem
Example: They just papered over the cracks instead of fixing the issue.
2. On paper
Meaning: Theoretically good but not necessarily in reality
Example: On paper, the plan seemed perfect.
3. Not worth the paper it’s written on
Meaning: Completely worthless or ineffective
Example: That promise is not worth the paper it’s written on.
4. Paper tiger
Meaning: Something that seems threatening but is ineffectual
Example: He’s just a paper tiger in the industry.
5. Pushing paper
Meaning: Doing routine paperwork
Example: He spends his days just pushing paper.
6. A paper trail
Meaning: Documentation or records
Example: Keep a good paper trail for auditing.
7. Paper pusher
Meaning: A person doing unimportant clerical work
Example: He felt like a paper pusher, doing mundane tasks.
8. To put pen to paper
Meaning: Start writing
Example: She finally put pen to paper on her novel.
9. White paper
Meaning: An authoritative report
Example: The government issued a new white paper.
10. Paper jam
Meaning: A problem with the printer when paper gets stuck
Example: There’s a paper jam in the office printer again.
11. Made out of whole cloth
Meaning: Completely fictional or untrue
Example: His story was made out of whole cloth.
12. Paper chase
Meaning: The pursuit of paperwork or qualifications
Example: Law school felt like a constant paper chase.
13. Paper cut
Meaning: A small but annoying injury
Example: I got a painful paper cut yesterday.
14. Throw in the paper
Meaning: To quit something
Example: He threw in the paper after two years.
15. Paper round
Meaning: The job of delivering newspapers
Example: She did the paper round every morning.
16. Paper profit
Meaning: Unrealized gain on securities or transactions
Example: He has significant paper profit in stocks.
17. Paper doll
Meaning: A person lacking depth or character
Example: She called him a paper doll, easily swayed.
18. Paper and ink
Meaning: Referring to traditional printed material
Example: She prefers books of paper and ink.
19. Turn the page
Meaning: To move on from a situation
Example: It’s time to turn the page and start fresh.
20. Flimsy as paper
Meaning: Very weak or fragile
Example: His excuse was as flimsy as paper.
Read More:
