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
In the case of a misconduct allegation, a paper trail of work can help prove steps.
—
Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
These businesses are also far more vulnerable to theft, and banks typically refuse to lend to organizations without a paper trail.
—Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Look for a direct paper trail that starts with the automaker and ends with the current owner, and ideally includes the original window sticker, sales contract, the owner’s manual and other paperwork that came with the car, along with copies of titles and bills of sale.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Additionally, audit logs and communication records help create a consistent paper trail, which is critical for regulatory reviews and minimizing risks associated with non-compliance.
—Rishi Choudhary, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper trail 
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Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
These businesses are also far more vulnerable to theft, and banks typically refuse to lend to organizations without a paper trail.
—Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Look for a direct paper trail that starts with the automaker and ends with the current owner, and ideally includes the original window sticker, sales contract, the owner’s manual and other paperwork that came with the car, along with copies of titles and bills of sale.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Additionally, audit logs and communication records help create a consistent paper trail, which is critical for regulatory reviews and minimizing risks associated with non-compliance.
—Rishi Choudhary, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper trail
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 2 Feb. 2025.
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