Words spoken vanish, words written remain. A written contract cannot be varied by parol proof.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Written instruments supersede oral agreements — a contract reduced to writing cannot be contradicted or varied by prior or contemporaneous oral statements. This is the foundation of the parol evidence rule.

Where this applies

• A party tries to prove the written contract really meant something different, based on a prior conversation.
• After signing a written agreement, one side claims an oral side-deal changes its terms.