on paper

sur papier, par écrit

Écrit ou imprimé sur une feuille, plutôt qu’affiché uniquement sur un écran.

En anglais simple : Written or printed on a sheet, rather than shown only on a screen.

• Write your answer on paper.
• She keeps all her notes on paper.
• Do you want the report on paper?

Synonymes : in writing, in print

Expressions courantes : write on paper, print on paper, notes on paper

sur le papier, en théorie

D’après les faits ou les plans, même si la réalité peut être différente.

En anglais simple : According to facts or plans, although real life may be different.

• The plan looks good on paper.
• On paper, their team was much stronger.
• She has excellent qualifications on paper, but little experience.

Synonymes : in theory, theoretically

Contraires : in practice

Expressions courantes : good on paper, on paper only, strong on paper

officiellement, juridiquement

Selon les documents ou les règles officielles, même si la situation réelle est différente.

En anglais simple : According to official records or rules, even if the real situation is different.

• She is the owner on paper.
• They remained married on paper for years.
• On paper, he still holds the director’s post.

Synonymes : officially, legally

Contraires : unofficially

Expressions courantes : owner on paper, on paper only, married on paper

en liberté conditionnelle

Sorti de prison, mais tenu de respecter certaines règles et de se présenter à un responsable.

En anglais simple : Released from prison but still required to follow rules and report to an official.

• He is still on paper.
• While on paper, she reported to her parole officer.
• He returned to prison after breaking the rules while on paper.

Comment l'utiliser : be on paper (He is on paper until next spring.)

Synonymes : on parole

Expressions courantes : be on paper, still on paper