paper trail (noun)

1. When designing the office space, the architect ensured there was a paper trail to document all the construction and design decisions.

2. In the crime thriller movie, the detective followed the suspect's paper trail to unravel the mystery.

3. The superhero scanned the paper trail left by the villain to gather clues and catch the perpetrator.

4. The fashion designer meticulously maintained a paper trail of all the inspirations and sketches for their latest collection.