On/off message
phrase
Following or not following a planned set of ideas or a line of argument.
The candidate was off message during the debate, straying from his campaign's strategy.
Often appears as...
- stay on message
- go off message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
phrase
Communicating or not communicating an intended policy, stance or opinion.
The corporation was careful to remain on message during the press conference.
Often appears as...
- deliver an on message
- keep on message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Business
phrase
Consistent or inconsistent with an official policy or stance.
The senator's remarks were off message, contrasting with the party's official policy.
Often appears as...
- keep on message
- get off message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
phrase
Following or not following a planned set of ideas or a line of argument.
The candidate was off message during the debate, straying from his campaign's strategy.
Often appears as...
- stay on message
- go off message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
phrase
Communicating or not communicating an intended policy, stance or opinion.
The corporation was careful to remain on message during the press conference.
Often appears as...
- deliver an on message
- keep on message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Business
phrase
Consistent or inconsistent with an official policy or stance.
The senator's remarks were off message, contrasting with the party's official policy.
Often appears as...
- keep on message
- get off message
Usage tips
Idiomatic, Political
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Plan Deviation
Used to describe when someone strays from a prepared plan or script in communication.
Her answers were off message; she hadn't stuck to our brief.
Pro Tip 2/3Nuanced Argument
Highlights a minor or subtle shift away from a main argument or policy, especially in debate.
His response seemed on message but upon closer inspection, it veered slightly off course.
Pro Tip 3/3Consistency Cue
Signals the level of consistency someone has with previous statements or organizational strategies.
Despite tough questions, she stayed on message throughout the interview.
Pro Tip 1/3Plan Deviation
Used to describe when someone strays from a prepared plan or script in communication.
Her answers were off message; she hadn't stuck to our brief.
Pro Tip 2/3Nuanced Argument
Highlights a minor or subtle shift away from a main argument or policy, especially in debate.
His response seemed on message but upon closer inspection, it veered slightly off course.
Pro Tip 3/3Consistency Cue
Signals the level of consistency someone has with previous statements or organizational strategies.
Despite tough questions, she stayed on message throughout the interview.
Pro Tip 1/3Plan Deviation
Used to describe when someone strays from a prepared plan or script in communication.
Her answers were off message; she hadn't stuck to our brief.
Pro Tip 2/3Nuanced Argument
Highlights a minor or subtle shift away from a main argument or policy, especially in debate.
His response seemed on message but upon closer inspection, it veered slightly off course.
Pro Tip 3/3Consistency Cue
Signals the level of consistency someone has with previous statements or organizational strategies.
Despite tough questions, she stayed on message throughout the interview.
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