on paper
IDIOM
ازروی حساب یا قلم و کاغذ، بافرض
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English Dictionaryon paperrefers to a quality that an idea, plan or person, etc. seems to have when you read about them, but which might not show the real or complete situation:
The design certainly looks good on paper. Several candidates seemed suitable on paper but failed the interview. [TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲
Idiomson paperif 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. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲
on paper adv. or
adj. phr. Judging by appearances only and not by past performance; in theory; theoretically.
On paper, the American colonies should have lost the Revolutionary War. The football team lost many games, even though they looked good on paper. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲