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Meaning & use

need-to-know basis

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UK/ˌniːd tə ˈnəʊ ˈbeɪsɪs/
US/ˌniːd tə ˈnoʊ ˈbeɪsɪs/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    in a way that gives people only the information they must have to do their job or task.

    Grammar: Used after 'on a': on a need-to-know basis. It works like an adverbial phrase at the end of a sentence.

    Patterns

    • on a need-to-know basis
    • share something on a need-to-know basis
    • tell someone something on a need-to-know basis

    The agency releases details of its operations on a need-to-know basis.

    Staff are told about the merger on a need-to-know basis, so most people hear nothing until the last minute.

    Medical records are kept confidential and passed on only on a need-to-know basis.

  2. phrasesingular

    a rule or system in which people are given only the information they need for their work.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often with 'a' or 'the': a need-to-know basis for sharing data.

    Patterns

    • a need-to-know basis for something
    • operate on a need-to-know basis
    • work on a need-to-know basis

    The department works on a strict need-to-know basis when handling classified files.

    They set up a need-to-know basis for the project so that no one outside the team saw the designs.

Common combinations

on a need-to-know basis
The results were shared with managers on a need-to-know basis.
a strict need-to-know basis
Access to the lab is granted on a strict need-to-know basis.
operate on a need-to-know basis
The unit operates on a need-to-know basis to protect its sources.
on a need-to-know basis only
Names of witnesses are released on a need-to-know basis only.

Synonyms and how they differ

confidentially
This means information is kept secret; need-to-know basis is narrower, because some people are still told, but only those who require it.
selectively
This means only chosen people receive something; it does not by itself say that the choice depends on what their job requires.

Opposites

openly

Word family

need-to-know adjective
describing information that only certain people are allowed to have, as in 'need-to-know information'.

Commonly confused: need-to-know basis or as-needed basis?

need-to-know basis vs as-needed basis

As-needed basis means something happens only when it is required; need-to-know basis is about limiting who may receive information.

Practice

The company shares salary data with managers ______.

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