put pen to paper

death by a thousand paper cuts

An ultimate negative outcome, such as the failure of a project, brought about by an excessive number of bureaucratic hurdles.

not to put too fine a point on it

Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.

paper tiger

Something or someone that appears powerful, strong or threatening but is in reality weak, ineffective, or unable to withstand challenge.

paper trail

A written record, history, or collection of evidence.

pen picture

A written description, often biographical.

poison pen

A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.

put a band-aid on a bullet wound

To inadequately treat a serious situation.

put a blanket over

Make (something) seem less serious.