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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
Cohen payment paper trail comes into focus Jurors for the first time had an opportunity to see and hear about all 34 business records that prosecutors claim were falsely filed -- the invoices, checks, and general ledger entries that cut to the core of the district attorney's case.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 6 May 2024
For a century, these deposit copies were little more than receipts in a copyright paper trail.
—Ben Sisario, New York Times, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper trail
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paper trail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1935, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near paper trail
Cite this Entry
“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
paper trail
noun
: documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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