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

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

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

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