paper chase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “paper chase” mean?
A game or pursuit in which participants follow a trail of torn paper.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A game or pursuit in which participants follow a trail of torn paper.
Any prolonged, difficult, or frustrating search through bureaucratic or administrative procedures, particularly one involving extensive documentation. By extension, it can refer to a complex legal or bureaucratic process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The figurative meaning is significantly more common and established in British English. In American English, the literal game is better known (e.g., from the 1973 film 'The Paper Chase'), and the figurative bureaucratic sense is less frequent.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a strong connotation of bureaucratic inefficiency and frustration. In American English, the literal game connotes a competitive, academic pursuit (from the film about law school).
Frequency
Common in UK political and journalistic discourse. Low-to-medium frequency in US English, where 'red tape', 'bureaucratic runaround', or 'wild goose chase' are more typical.
Grammar
How to Use “paper chase” in a Sentence
to be/go on a paper chaseto face/endure the paper chaseto simplify/cut through the paper chaseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paper chase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We had to paper-chase our way through three different departments just to get a licence.
American English
- (Rare as verb) The film depicts students paper-chasing after top grades at Harvard Law.
adjective
British English
- The paper-chase nature of the application put off many small businesses.
American English
- (Rare as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the complex documentation required for compliance, licensing, or international trade.
Academic
Rare. Could describe the process of gathering permissions and ethics approvals for research.
Everyday
Complaining about the amount of forms needed for a government service like a visa or planning permission.
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical fields; more common in public administration and legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paper chase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paper chase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paper chase”
- Using it to mean a 'race to finish paperwork' (incorrect focus on speed). Confusing it with 'paper trail' (which is the evidence, not the frustrating process of following it).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always negative when used figuratively, implying frustration, inefficiency, and unnecessary complexity.
Rarely. The noun form is standard. Verb use ('to paper-chase') is informal and non-standard, though occasionally seen.
Both are frustrating pursuits. A 'paper chase' specifically involves bureaucratic documents and procedures. A 'wild goose chase' is any futile search based on false or misleading information, not necessarily involving paperwork.
The literal game is dated. The figurative bureaucratic meaning remains current, especially in British English.
A game or pursuit in which participants follow a trail of torn paper.
Paper chase is usually informal, figurative in register.
Paper chase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪpə ˌtʃeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪpɚ ˌtʃeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a complete paper chase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a government office where instead of helping you, clerks just throw shredded paper in the air and tell you to find the right form – you're on a literal 'paper chase'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUREAUCRATIC PROCESS IS A HUNT/CHASE (where the quarry is a document or permission, and the terrain is made of paperwork).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'paper chase' MOST likely to be used figuratively?