paper trail
noun
: documents (such as financial records) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned
Examples of paper trail in a Sentence
They covered up the fraud and were careful not to leave a paper trail.
Recent Examples on the Web
The defense claimed the paper trail showed transparency for funds that were approved for flat fees, such as one-time raises and reimbursement for extra hours worked in the cafeteria and after care.
—
Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
These deaths are rarely preceded by a thick paper trail.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Keeping track of the massive paper trail involved in criminal records can be daunting.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Seeing a doctor right away is important, both for your recovery and your paper trail.
—K.h. Koehler, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paper trail
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Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
These deaths are rarely preceded by a thick paper trail.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Keeping track of the massive paper trail involved in criminal records can be daunting.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Seeing a doctor right away is important, both for your recovery and your paper trail.
—K.h. Koehler, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paper trail
Cite this Entry
“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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