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 prosecutors who withdrew from the case late Friday had alleged in the case that Adams took pains to cover up his crimes and directed others to, as well, including by creating fake paper trails.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
As a first step, Lee sought out a paper trail—specifically, medical and financial records.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
Having a paper trail of time frames and messages can be vital in finding a criminal's identity.
—Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
This builds a paper trail while maintaining professional momentum.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for paper trail 
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Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
As a first step, Lee sought out a paper trail—specifically, medical and financial records.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
Having a paper trail of time frames and messages can be vital in finding a criminal's identity.
—Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
This builds a paper trail while maintaining professional momentum.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
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 21 Feb. 2025.
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