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Off the record

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Off the record|Idiomatic Phrase|Information shared confidentially with the understanding it will not be published, quoted, or attributed publicly; denotes private communication exempt from formal documentation.

Detailed Definition
Off the record means unofficial, confidential, or not intended for public reporting. In poetry, the idiom can build intrigue around secrets, gossip, confession, political speech, or private truth. The “record” suggests history, journalism, archives, and accountability, so stepping off it creates a shadow-space where honesty and evasion can mingle. A poet may use it to explore trust, betrayal, hidden testimony, or the difference between what is publicly preserved and what is privately known.
Example
Example in poetry:
Confidential: "What I share remains off the record between trusted friends."; Private: "Off the record, the leader admitted deep doubts about the policy."; For students: "Creates intimacy in confessional verse."; "The conversation stayed off the record."
Additional Notes
Confidential secrecy, builds intimacy in private confession or intrigue verses. Valuable for trust. Suggests off-record speech. Use in dramatic monologues. Contrasts with public declaration. Enhances conspiracy. Pair with whispered tone.
Also Known As
Off the books Between us Background only Not for publication Under the radar Behind closed doors
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