Paper over, paperback, paperwork, on paper, not worth paper written on

Meaning of expressions with PAPER

Paper over, paperwork, not worth the paper it’s written on, on paper, paperback

Paper over (v)

· hide or make a show of improving a fault

• – The report didn’t give any explanations it just papered over the problems

paperwork

· work of writing reports, letters, keeping records etc

• – I seem to spend more time on paperwork than doing my classes!

Not worth the paper it’s written on

· has no real value or worth

• – I have 2 year work contract but it’s not worth the paper it’s written on, they can sack me when they want.

On paper

· as written down or printed but not tested, unreal

• – The project looks good on paper, but you need to show us a pilot test before we finance it.

Paperback

· a book bound with a thin cardboard cover (compare hardback)

• – Yes sir, the hardback copy of the novel is 15€ and the paperback is 12€

Languagewell also bring you lessons with idioms using LOVE  and FALL  as well as many other lessons and exercises with phrasal verbs and English Idioms  One vocabulary example is Book which is used in a number  of well-known English expressions such as closed book and throw the book at someone  There are more lessons with other verbs in the Phrasal Verb Index   it includes run and  think. If you want, you can  practise by doing these exercises Check out other English Language and Grammar lessons and exercises here