Definition

Noun: A small, often narrow, piece of paper, typically used for a brief note, record, or transaction.

Usage

This term refers to a single, small piece of paper, separate from a pad or book. It is commonly used for informal notes, temporary records, or documentation of a simple transaction.

Examples

• He wrote his phone number on a slip of paper and handed it to me.
• The librarian gave me a slip of paper with the call number for the book.
• Please fill out this slip of paper with your name and address.

Advanced Usage

• "a slip of paper" vs. "a piece of paper": While similar, "a slip of paper" often implies a smaller, narrower, or more specific piece, such as one torn from a pad or designed for a particular purpose (like a receipt). "A piece of paper" is more general and can be any size or shape.
• The phrase can be used metaphorically to represent something insignificant or easily lost:

Variants and Related Words

• Slip (noun): Can stand alone to mean a small piece of paper, especially in contexts like "a deposit slip" or "a pink slip" (notice of termination).
• Scrap of paper (noun phrase): A very small, often irregular piece of paper, sometimes implying it is discarded or of little value.
• Chit (noun): A short official note, such as a receipt or voucher, often on a small piece of paper.

Synonyms

• Scrap of paper
• Slip
• Note
• Slip of paper

Idioms and Phrases

• Not worth the paper it's written on: Used to describe a promise, contract, or document that is worthless or will not be honored. While not containing the exact phrase "slip of paper," it conceptually relates to the insignificance of a written document.
  • Without their signatures, this agreement is not worth the paper it's written on.

Noun

1. a small sheet of paper
   • a receipt slip