paper clip
1
2.9
- noun
- /ˈpeɪpər klɪp/
- Texting
:
icono de clip
- The paper clip icon is on the toolbar.
Examples
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On the messaging app, tap the paper clip and choose the photo you want to send.
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She showed me how to press the paper clip button to add documents to the form.
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To attach your resume, click the paper clip at the bottom of the email compose window.
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She clicked the paper clip to attach her resume.
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In the messaging app, I clicked on the paper clip icon to attach a photo.
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When composing my email, I noticed the paper clip symbol indicating that I had attached a file.
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To send the report, just click on the paper clip button and select the document.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound literally denotes a clip for paper, so the constituent meanings ('paper' + 'clip') make the basic idea clear. However, the MWE's specific use as a software icon meaning 'attach files' is a conventionalized, metaphorical extension in digital contexts that may not be fully predictable to a B1 learner without exposure to UI conventions, making it only partially transparent.
Etymology
The button that looks like a paper clip in email programs shows the metal clip because a real paper clip 'attaches' papers together, so pressing it means 'add or attach files to a message'.