put pen to paper

put pen to paper

1. To write or begin to write something, especially on paper. My first advice to anyone struggling with their emotions is to keep a small journal and put pen to paper as often as possible. Writers from across the country have been putting pen to paper for the annual nonfiction festival.
2. To sign a contract. The football star has refused to put pen to paper until his pay exceeds that of his last contract.
See also: paper, pen, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put ˌpen to ˈpaper

(formal) write or start to write something: He spent hours thinking about what he should write, and it was midnight before he finally put pen to paper.
See also: paper, pen, put
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • set pen to paper
  • write back
  • write on
  • write on (someone or something)
  • write up
  • write down
  • wrote
  • write (something) in plain language
  • write (something) in plain English
  • prescribe (something) for (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Lawyers for the couple, who announced they were separating last November after 25 months of marriage, were at Los Angeles Superior Court to put pen to paper on details.
Brit split is official
The 20-year-old put pen to paper yesterday to supply a fillip to the Bears who had already seen one emerging batsman, Moeen Ali, reject another deal.
Cricket: Poonia signs up
HAVING had an appointment at the new eye department at Walsgrave Hospital in the week just gone, I felt I had to put pen to paper to tell you just how poorly thought out it is.
Letter: Your Say - Eye department did not impress
CHARLTON captain Luke Young has signed a new four-year contract just 24 hours after striker Darren Bent put pen to paper on his own long-term deal.
football ROUND-UP: Young signs up
Jenkins has already seen Dafydd Jones, Mark Jones, Simon Easterby, Barry Davies and Mike Hercus put pen to paper, while Stephen Jones has agreed to rejoin the Scarlets at the end of the season.
Scarlets booster
Arsenal are desperate for Henry to put pen to paper on a new deal, but so far the Frenchman has snubbed their advances.
Football: PLEA TO THIERRY
But the Plymouth midfielder,who was desperate to return north of the border, has made up his mind and will put pen to paper at East End Park as soon as the transfer window opens on Saturday.
Football: Makel opts for Pars
I hear that Chris Joynt has also put pen to paper and his book will be out next year.
RUGBY UNION: Kicked out
Veronique Martin, who lives in Epinay, is calling on South Tyneside residents to put pen to paper and write to her.
Penpal plea
Negotiations are under way regarding a new contract, and Davis said yesterday: "I'm in talks with the club and I hope we can sort something out and put pen to paper."
Sport Shorts
But Bonser, who jets off for a two-week holiday later today, is hopeful that the 47-year-old will have put pen to paper before then.
Football: LEE SET TO SIGN LONG-TERM DEAL
Palace defender Andy Linigan put pen to paper on a new one-year deal late on Friday and the 38-year-old former Arsenal man played as though he had enjoyed a heavy night of celebrating.
Football: PALACE GET DR MARTENS KICKING
Dublin-born Potter, previously on loan with Wanderers, has put pen to paper on a three-and-ahalf- year deal.
Football: MICK GOES POTTY
The former Wales international striker put pen to paper on the deal at The Hawthorns having discussed the move with Albion manager Bryan Robson.
Football: In Brief: Hartson transfer
The highly-rated central defender, aged 21, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and follows David McNamee, Wayne Andrews, Don Hutchison and Mikkel Bischoff at the Ricoh Arena.
Football: Sky Blues sign pounds 1m Hammers defender