paper (redirected from papering)

*one's walking papers

Fig. a notice that one is fired from one's job. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) Well, I'm through. I got my walking papers today. They are closing down my department. I guess I'll get my walking papers soon.

See also: walking

*paper trail

Fig. a series of records that is possible to examine to find out the sequence of things that happen. (*Typically: have ~; leave ~; make ~.) The legal department requires all these forms so that there is a paper trail of all activity.

See also: trail

can't carry a tune and cannot carry a tune; can't carry a tune in a bushel basket; can't carry a tune in a bucket; can't carry a tune in a paper sack

Fig. [to be] unable to sing a simple melody; lacking musical ability. I wish that Tom wouldn't try to sing. He can't carry a tune. I don't know why Mary's in the choir. She can't carry a tune in a bushel basket. Joe likes to sing in the shower, though he can't carry a tune in a bucket. I'd try to hum the song for you, but I can't carry a tune in a paper sack.

See also: carry, tune

look good on paper

to seem fine in theory, but not perhaps in practice; to appear to be a good plan. The plan looks good on paper, but it may not work. This looks good on paper. Let's hope it works in the real world.

See also: good, look

not worth the paper it's written on and not worth the paper it's printed on

Fig. [of a document] meaningless or without authority; of no value. That contract isn't worth the paper it's written on. All the signatures are forged. Don't take a check from that guy. It's not worth the paper it's written on.

See also: worth, written

paper over something 

1. Lit. to put a layer of wallpaper on a wall. We papered over the wall, giving the room a bright, new look. We papered over the old plaster on the wall.

2. to cover up some sort of blemish on a wall with wallpaper. We papered over a lot of little cracks. Sam papered over all the flaws in the plaster wall.

3. Fig. to conceal something; to cover something up. Don't try to paper over the mess you have made. George tried to paper over all his mistakes.

paper over the cracks (in something)

Fig. to try to hide faults or difficulties, often in a hasty or not very successful way. (Based on paper over something {2}.) The politician tried to paper over the cracks in his party's economic policy. Tom tried to paper over the cracks in his relationship with the boss, but it was not possible. She didn't explain it. She just papered over the cracks.

See also: crack

put something on paper

Fig. to write something down. You have a great idea for a novel. Now put it on paper. I'm sorry, I can't discuss your offer until I see something in writing. Put it on paper, and then we'll talk.

See also: put

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not be worth the paper it's/they're printed/written on

if an agreement or decision is not worth the paper it is written on, it has no value or importance A qualification like that isn't worth the paper it's written on.

See also: print, worth

a paper chase  (American & Australian)

the activity of dealing with many different documents in order to achieve something To receive even the smallest amount of financial aid from a college, it's a real paper chase.

See also: chase

a paper tiger

a country or organization that seems powerful but is not Will the United Nations be able to make any difference, or is it just a paper tiger?

See also: tiger

a paper trail  (American & Australian)

documents which show what someone has been doing He was easy to find, he left a paper trail a mile wide.

See also: trail

couldn't [act/argue/fight] your way out of a paper bag  (humorous)

if someone couldn't act, argue, fight etc. their way out of a paper bag, they act, argue, fight etc. very badly It's no good asking Jim to protect you - he couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag.

See also: bag, couldn't, out, way

give somebody their walking papers  (American)

to tell someone they must leave their job The manager gave his old secretary her walking papers and hired his daughter to do the job. (American)

See be floating on air, be walking on eggshells, be on thin ice

See also: give, walking

on paper

if something seems good or true on paper, it seems to be good or true when you read or think about it but it might not be good or true in a real situation She looked good on paper but was one of the weakest interviewees we saw today. On paper it could work, but I won't be convinced until I see it for myself.

paper/smooth over the cracks

to hide problems or faults, especially arguments between people, in order to make a situation seem better than it really is The two-party coalition has so far been successful in papering over the cracks. (sometimes + in ) I'm tired of smoothing over the cracks in our marriage - I want a divorce!

See also: crack

put pen to paper

to start to write something I keep meaning to write to her but I haven't yet managed to put pen to paper.

See also: pen, put

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not worth the paper something is printed on also not worth the paper something is written on

to have no value or importance He's got a degree from an online university that's not worth the paper it's printed on. The landlord's promises were not worth the paper they were written on.

See also: print, worth

on paper

possibly On paper it looks like it could work, but I won't be convinced until I see it in operation.

paper over something also paper something over

to solve a problem temporarily They papered over their disagreements in order to end the meeting on a positive note. She has a solid record of bridging differences between groups, not just papering them over.

put pen to paper also set pen to paper

to write on paper You can e-mail us, or, of course, you can always put pen to paper and send us a letter.

See also: pen, put