need-to-know

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adjective

need-to-know (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) (of information) given to another only when necessary.
   • 2006, “Rosetta Stoned”, performed by Tool:

     10 to 2 a.m., X, Yogi DMT and a box of Krispy Kremes
     In my need-to-know post just outside of Area 51
     Contemplating the whole "Chosen People" thingy
     When just a flaming stealth banana split the sky
     Like one would hope, but never really expect to see in a place like this
     

Noun

need-to-know (plural need-to-knows)

1. Something that one needs to know; a piece of necessary information.

See also

• on a need-to-know basis
• eyes-only