off the record Meaning: If you say something 'off the recor | Idioms & Phrases

off the record

Meaning: If you say something "off the record", you don't want it in the public record, or reported in the media.

For example:

The minister has refused to speak to reporters since something he said off the record was reported in a newspaper.

Most politicians realise that just saying something is "off the record" isn't enough to ensure it won't be reported.

Note: . Opposite to "on the record", which means something is said on the understanding that it will be part of the public record, and can be reported in the media.
. If used to modify a noun or a noun phrase, hyphens must be added, as in "off-the-record comments".