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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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Off the Record (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Off the Record"?
The term "off the record" means non-attributable. In other words, it refers to something said in confidence or in an unofficial capacity.
Examples of Use:
- I have been out for a few dinners with him. Off the record, he's not a generous person.
- There will be an announcement about a pay rise next week. Keep this to yourself. That was strictly off the record.
- I will only speak off the record about Debra Winger. (Filmmaker Karel Reisz)
- My wife and I love the series "Homeland." Sometimes, I ask news makers, off the record, what rings true about the show and what's ridiculous. (News presenter David Gregory)
- "He [Roosevelt] said that he was going to talk 'off the record', that it was mighty nice to be able to talk 'off the record' for a change and that he hoped to be able to talk 'off the record' often in the future. He told a couple of funny stories and everybody laughed and cheered."
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