What is paper trail? How to use in English

The term "paper trail" originated in the late 1960s as a result of increased documentation requirements in various industries and the rise of computer technology. In the context of data processing, a trail refers to a chronological series of data points that track an activity or process. The phrase "paper trail" came to denote the traditional method of keeping a record, using physical paper documents, as opposed to using electronic or digital methods. The term gained popularity in American politics during the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. The phrase was used to describe the series of paper records left behind by Richard Nixon's administration, which ultimately led to the President's forced resignation. Since then, "paper trail" has become a commonly used colloquialism to refer to the concrete, physical documentation that can provide evidence or verify actions, particularly in legal or administrative contexts.