information trail
nounUK /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən treɪl/
US /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən treɪl/
A path of clues that shows where something came from or where it went.
The detective followed the information trail to find out who sent the letter.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The series of digital records left behind when someone uses computers or the internet.
Every click you make online leaves an information trail.
3. A chain of documents that proves how a decision was made.
The committee kept an information trail so everyone could see how the plan was approved.
4. The way facts or news spread from person to person.
Gossip can create a confusing information trail that is hard to untangle.