on background

Related to on background: Journalism sourcing

on background

Of information used in a news story, allowed to be published but only on conditions negotiated by the source, typically resulting in anonymity. The presidential aide agreed to give a statement to reporters on background.
See also: background, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on background

For publication but without specific attribution of the source: The senator would only speak on background with the reporter about the crisis.
See also: background, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • brown out
  • clap (something) together
  • clap together
  • queer for
  • queer for (one)
  • queer for something
  • bargain away
  • a burr in (one's) saddle
  • a burr under (one's) saddle
  • a burr under your saddle