small print

noun

1. fine print.

small print

noun

1. matter in a contract, etc, printed in small type, esp when considered to be a trap for the unwary

Idioms and Phrases

Also, fine print . The details in a contract or other document, often indicating restrictions or other disadvantages. For example, Be sure you read the small print before you sign your name to it , or They had the warranty terms in fine print, so you'd overlook the fact that it was only good for a month . This idiom alludes to the fact that such material is often printed in smaller type than the rest of the document. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

He had "completely trusted" the salesman, but lived to regret not reading the small print.

From BBC

The court of appeal said “burying such a statement in the small print which the lender knows the borrower is highly unlikely to read will not suffice”.

From BBC

On the same programme, Griffith accused the government of behaving "at the very least like the worst form of dodgy car hire firm, conjuring up small print that never existed".

From BBC

The BHHPA, which represents holiday parks, said it was important consumers "read the small print" and "fully understand the sales contract" before committing to buying a caravan.

From BBC

It's probably something most of us skip or skim through - but it's important to read the small print when you buy a ticket, says Harry Kind from consumer group Which?.

From BBC