the small print

the small print

The specific terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, etc., of an agreement, contract, or other document, often printed in very small type and thus easy to go unnoticed. The terms of the loan look pretty good at face value, but be sure to read the small print or you could find yourself in a heap of trouble down the line. If I had my way, I would make small print illegal—it's so deceitful!

See also: print, small

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

small print

 and fine print

an important part of a document that is not easily noticed because of the smallness of the printing. You should have read the small print before signing the contract. You should always read the fine print of an insurance policy.

See also: print, small

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

small print

Also, fine print. The details in a contract or other document, often indicating restrictions or other disadvantages. For example, Be sure you read the small print before you sign your name to it, or They had the warranty terms in fine print, so you'd overlook the fact that it was only good for a month . This idiom alludes to the fact that such material is often printed in smaller type than the rest of the document. [Mid-1900s]

See also: print, small

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

the small print

mainly BRITISH or

the fine print

mainly AMERICAN

COMMON The small print in a contract, agreement, or advertisement is the part which contains the legal details. Many patients are being hit by huge bills because they did not read the small print on their insurance forms. I'm looking at the small print. I don't want to sign anything that I shouldn't sign. The president said he'll wait to read the fine print of the trade agreement before he comments on it.

See also: print, small

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

small print

inconspicuous details or conditions printed in an agreement or contract, especially ones that may prove unfavourable.

Such details are typically printed in small type.

See also: print, small

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the ˈsmall print

(British English) (American English the ˈfine print) the parts of a written agreement or legal contract that are printed in very small letters, but which may contain important information: Make sure you read the small print before signing the contract.

See also: print, small

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017