paper chase

noun

1. the effort to earn a diploma or college degree, especially in law, or a professional certificate or license.
2. the writing of assignments and reports, collecting of supporting documents, filling out of forms, and other paperwork necessary to obtain a college degree or a professional certificate or license, apply for financial aid or a bank loan, etc.
3. hare and hounds.

paper chase

noun

1. a former type of cross-country run in which a runner laid a trail of paper for others to follow

Other Words From

• paper chaser noun
• paper-chasing adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paper chase¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Like all migrants, he then had to contend with obstacles ranging from the paper chase needed for a bank account and apartment, through to just getting an appointment to have his work permit approved.

From Reuters

To the north, the paper chase makes up 17% of the medical costs in Canada.

From Washington Times

But the decision to marry in Istanbul, whose mosques reminded Khashoggi of his hometown Medina, set off a paper chase that ultimately ended in death.

From Reuters

The decision to marry in Istanbul, whose mosques reminded Khashoggi of his hometown Medina, set off a paper chase that ultimately ended in Khashoggi’s disappearance.

From Reuters

Grassley has welcomed the expedited review and criticized the Democratic push for additional documents as a costly paper chase.

From Seattle Times