not worth the paper it's written on

not worth the paper it's written on

Useless; unimportant; insignificant. Oh, that memo is not worth the paper it's written on. You know the boss is going to completely change her mind about it in a few days anyway! Due to the recent hyperinflation, the nation's currency is now not worth the paper it's written on.

See also: not, on, paper, worth, written

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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: not, on, paper, worth, written

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

not worth the paper it's written on

If something such as an agreement, promise or qualification is not worth the paper it's written on, it has no value, even if it seems official and definite. Many employers say that today's qualifications are not worth the paper they're written on. Note: Printed is sometimes used instead of written. The certificate is not worth the paper it's printed on.

See also: not, on, paper, worth, written

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

not worth the paper it is written on

(of an agreement, promise, etc.) of no value or validity whatsoever.

See also: not, on, paper, worth, written

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

not worth the paper it’s ˈprinted/ˈwritten on

(of a written agreement, document, report, etc.) not having any value, especially legally, or because the person involved does not intend to do what they say they will: The promises in this letter aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.

See also: not, on, paper, print, worth, written

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017