Look good on paper Meaning in English
expression
释义
If something 'looks good on paper,' it seems like a good idea when planned or described, but may not actually work well in reality.
用法与细微差别
Mainly used in informal or semi-formal speech to highlight the difference between theory and practice; often expresses skepticism. Common with ideas, plans, or job candidates. Not literal—rarely used for actual sheets of paper.
例句
The new schedule looks good on paper, but it might be hard to follow every day.
basic
This plan looks good on paper, but we need to test it first.
basic
The idea looked good on paper, but it failed in practice.
basic
He looked good on paper, but the interview showed he wasn't right for the job.
natural
Their proposal looks good on paper, but I’m not convinced it will succeed.
natural
A lot of business plans look good on paper until reality sets in.
natural