off the record

used of a statement, remark, or piece of information that is not intended for public knowledge, or not to be attributed to the person making it

The origin of the idiom "off the record" can be traced back to the field of journalism. It is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century as a way for reporters and sources to have confidential conversations without the information being published or attributed. The phrase is rooted in the idea that certain information shared "off the record" is off-limits for public consumption and should be treated as strictly confidential. Over time, the usage of "off the record" has expanded beyond journalism and is now commonly employed in various contexts where confidentiality is desired, such as in legal proceedings or informal conversations.