Quiz: "off the books" or "off the record"?

The correct answer is: off the books

"I can't believe he wants to work off the books. He should pay his taxes like everyone else!"

If a company doesn't keep an official record of payment that it makes to somebody, we can say that the person works "off the books".

When there is a recession, the number of people working off the books often rises.

work off the books = schwarz arbeiten

"The hourly rate is so low that I've decided to work off the books for now."
"Illegal immigrants work off the books."

We use "off the record" when somebody doesn't speak publicly about something.

off the record = inoffiziell, nicht amtlich

"This is off the record, but I hear the company is in financial difficulty."

Try another

"Paula's ___ at work. She won't be coming to the Christmas party."

• snowed under
  
• snowed in