read the small print

read the small print

To make oneself aware of the specific terms, conditions, restrictions, limitations, etc., of an agreement, contract, or other document (often printed in very small type and thus easy to go unnoticed). The terms of the loan look pretty good at face value, but be sure to read the small print, or you could find yourself in a heap of trouble down the line. I know reading the small print can be tedious, but it's always important to know what you're getting yourself into!
See also: print, read, small
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • read the fine print
  • small print
  • the small print
  • be on nodding terms
  • be on nodding terms (with someone)
  • be on nodding terms with somebody
  • term
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open for (something)
  • leave oneself wide open for
  • agreement
References in classic literature
Ye can, with your young eyes, read the small print of the lies from here.
Dracula
Otherwise services at breaking point will have to be cut further, close alto-no for pay gether or lose yet more staff." Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail added: "Read the small print and there is no new money for these below inflation pay rises which exclude nearly two thirds of public sector workers."
MAY'S FINAL INSULT; Unions' fury as PM links pay rises to more cuts
However, when we read the small print, the money was only available to what we would refer to as "Labour wards" - those wards who had only Labour councillors and of course that included former Cllr Thompson's own ward!
Here's to a greener town
Read the small print. Does it meet your needs or does it duplicate what you already have?
TOP TIPS
READING THE LARGER PRINT LWAYS read the small print. is good advice.
READING THE LARGER PRINT
It was interesting to read his unilateral Declaration of Independence on the 23rd of December, but I think he, like many others, has failed to read the small print.
Brexit part of Tory civil war; Letters
| Askwhich@which.co.uk Read the small print when renting a car
Don't get taken for a ride by rental car costs abroad; IN ASSOCIATION WITH
It was posted under with the legend: "Looks pretty ordinary until you read the small print."
Chimney sweep's hilarious van sign offering free gruel to apprentices under six is a Facebook hit; David Mulligan, who painted the sign on his motor, says he has been "overwhelmed by the interest" since the picture appeared online
In case you couldn't read the small print at the bottom of second side it reads on left side "Paid for by friends of Paul Dyster" and on right side it reads "Buffalo Local 55 UAW New York".
Thoughts on the Dyster campaign flyer
As with all aspects of financial planning, and at a time when oil prices have gone through the floor, it's never too late for the regional states to read the small print, seek appropriate advice, and do some soul searching before signing up for yet another foray into Middle East turmoil.
War on ISIL: Read the Small Print
Weight-conscious shoppers are being urged to read the small print on foodstuffs (GDN, May 30).
Fat lot of good
When I got home, I read the small print and saw that it contained organic dried cane syrup.
Why the five food felons matter
Read the small print on all those asbestos commericals.
Power elites?
They must read the small print well before signing up, according to a report.
Lloyds offers GBP500 cashback to attract re-mortgage customers