small print

Related to small print: read the small print

the small print

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. If I had my way, I would make small print illegal—it's so deceitful!
See also: print, small
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

small print

 and fine print
an important part of a document that is not easily noticed because of the smallness of the printing. You should have read the small print before signing the contract. You should always read the fine print of an insurance policy.
See also: print, small
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

small print

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]
See also: print, small
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

small print

inconspicuous details or conditions printed in an agreement or contract, especially ones that may prove unfavourable.
Such details are typically printed in small type.
See also: print, small
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • the small print
  • read the fine print
  • read the small print
  • grandfather (someone or something)
  • grandfather in
  • grandfather clause
  • (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
  • tomorrow
  • (one's) face fits
  • cut your cloth
References in periodicals archive
Because small print, and the thinking behind it, encapsulates so many things that are wrong with our world.
First things first..
"Too often, compliance managers and lawyers talk banks and insurers into throwing the kitchen sink into these documents, which reduces the chance of the small print ever being read."
Insurance small print 'like reading Orwell book'
This outlawed using the small print of any document to hide the true cost of a service.
Derek Clark MEP says the The EU provides perfect cover for marketing scams
Mr Freeman said: "I didn't read the small print but I should have done.
Parasite costs loophole lawyer pounds 5k
But the small print tells a rather different story.
Is Brown any different? Read the small print... ANALYSIS Is Gordon Brown really delivering for the West Midlands? Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Chris Grayling argues that he isn't-and it's all in the fine print
A new document entitled "Ticket Changes" from First Capital Connect, in which the adjustments are noted in small print, has been withdrawn.
Destination News
48 pages of facts hold relatively small print and plenty of information suitable for reports.
Kidhaven/Thomson-Gale/Blackbirch
For those who find the thick volume, thin pages, and small print of a regular Bible daunting, here's the answer to your prayers.
The (UN)Official U.S. Catholic Christmas gift guide! In a Christian conundrum about what to buy friends and family for Christmas this year? Here are some fine ideas for the Jesus freak on your list
Combining text which is barely readable with misuse of gravity, the headline is unintentionally buried better than the small print in a legal contract!
Type & Layout: Are You Communicating or Just Making Pretty Shapes
The small print reads, 'Travellers riding up the Snowdon mountain railway may experience communication problems.
Mobile-free zone
(NASDAQ:CREO; TSX: CRE) and Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) have launched the SpireTM CXP3535e color server for the Xerox DocuColor 3535 color copier/ printer system, bringing the key benefits of Creo professional graphic arts solutions to small print shops and graphics-intensive office environments.
Xerox packs more power in printer with enhanced color server from CREO
As the ad's small print notes, the claim is "based on USDA data using the average of 3 oz.
Foods in the news
Rather, they complement each other, religion giving the overview and science the small print.
Wonder and mystery in retelling of biblical creation story
In a similar vein, Whatacup, 2002, a rather austere plastic fast-food beverage cup, reads in small print, WHEN I AM EMPTY, PLEASE DISPOSE OF ME PROPERLY.
Katy Siegel on Chuck Ramirez. (First Take)
Hannon's four new seascapes are part of the company's Small Print Line.
Canadian Art Prints signs new artists. (news)