On paper
adverb
In theory or planning, but not yet in reality or practice.
The plan looks good on paper, but we'll see how it works in real life.
Often appears as...
- looks good on paper
- works well on paper
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Written or printed on paper.
I prefer reading on paper rather than on a screen.
Often appears as...
- reading on paper
- written on paper
adverb
In theory or planning, but not yet in reality or practice.
The plan looks good on paper, but we'll see how it works in real life.
Often appears as...
- looks good on paper
- works well on paper
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Written or printed on paper.
I prefer reading on paper rather than on a screen.
Often appears as...
- reading on paper
- written on paper
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used when something might seem good theoretically, but may not work practically.
Their new policy sounds progressive on paper, but will it actually help anyone?
Pro Tip 2/3Skepticism
Implies that while an idea or plan looks promising, one remains unconvinced until seeing actual results.
He's the ideal candidate on paper, but can he deliver those results?
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't refer to physical paper, but to the concept or plan being discussed.
Our team's strategy looks unbeatable on paper.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used when something might seem good theoretically, but may not work practically.
Their new policy sounds progressive on paper, but will it actually help anyone?
Pro Tip 2/3Skepticism
Implies that while an idea or plan looks promising, one remains unconvinced until seeing actual results.
He's the ideal candidate on paper, but can he deliver those results?
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't refer to physical paper, but to the concept or plan being discussed.
Our team's strategy looks unbeatable on paper.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Used when something might seem good theoretically, but may not work practically.
Their new policy sounds progressive on paper, but will it actually help anyone?
Pro Tip 2/3Skepticism
Implies that while an idea or plan looks promising, one remains unconvinced until seeing actual results.
He's the ideal candidate on paper, but can he deliver those results?
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't refer to physical paper, but to the concept or plan being discussed.
Our team's strategy looks unbeatable on paper.
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