paper trail
noun
a written or printed record, as of transactions or judicial opinions, especially when used to incriminate someone.
Origin of paper trail
First recorded in 1975–80
Words nearby paper trail
paper nautilus,
paper over,
paper profit,
paper tape,
paper tiger,
paper trail,
paper wasp,
paper-clip,
paper-cutter,
paper-mâché,
paper-pusher