1. Home
2. Idioms
3. on paper

on paper

---

---

on paper

possibly On paper it looks like it could work, but I won't be convinced until I see it in operation.

See also: on, paper

on paper

if something seems good or true on paper, it seems to be good or true when you read or think about it but it might not be good or true in a real situation She looked good on paper but was one of the weakest interviewees we saw today. On paper it could work, but I won't be convinced until I see it for myself.

See also: on, paper

on paper

In theory, hypothetically, as in Considering casualties, on paper the Americans won the Vietnam War, or They are a good team on paper but not so in the field. This metaphoric expression contrasts something written down with concrete reality. [Late 1700s]

See also: on, paper

on paper

1. In writing or print.

2. In theory, as opposed to actual performance or fact: It is a good team on paper, but its members play poorly together.

See also: on, paper