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
Some states are passing laws, too, mandating that recyclers document each converter brought in to be sold for scrap and create a paper trail to deter the theft and resale of the units.
—
Josh Max, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
This meticulous record-keeping created a thorough paper trail, which was important for establishing the timeline of events and demonstrating Best Buy’s lack of responsiveness.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Some communities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Mandates a paper trail for each voter's ballot, rather than just an electronic record.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Jury sees alleged paper trail of 2011 extortion payment
Following Garcia's testimony about accepting a $100,000 payment from Combs, prosecutors called Combs' longtime employee Derek Ferguson to drill down into the financial structure of Combs' business empire.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paper trail
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Josh Max, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
This meticulous record-keeping created a thorough paper trail, which was important for establishing the timeline of events and demonstrating Best Buy’s lack of responsiveness.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Some communities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Mandates a paper trail for each voter's ballot, rather than just an electronic record.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Jury sees alleged paper trail of 2011 extortion payment
Following Garcia's testimony about accepting a $100,000 payment from Combs, prosecutors called Combs' longtime employee Derek Ferguson to drill down into the financial structure of Combs' business empire.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 3 June 2025
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 19 Jun. 2025.
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