PhrasesHub

On the QT

    Definitions

      • secretly
        To do something in a secretive or confidential manner

      • privately
        To share information or have a conversation in a confidential or private manner

    Examples of On the QT

    • The detective found out about the suspect's hidden stash of money on the QT.

      This means that the detective discovered the secret money without the suspect knowing. The phrase "on the QT" is used here to indicate that the detective kept the information quiet or confidential.

    • The senator revealed some sensitive information to her closest advisors on the QT.

      This means that the senator shared confidential information with her most trusted advisors in private, without broadcasting it to the general public or wider audience.

    • The employees were warned by their boss not to reveal the company's upcoming plans to the media on the QT.

      This means that the boss asked the employees to keep the company's plans confidential and not to disclose any information to the media as it could harm the company's interests.

    • The athlete confessed to the coach that she had been struggling with injuries and was hoping to get some help on the QT.

      This means that the athlete disclosed her struggles with injuries to her coach in confidence, without sharing it with anyone else. The phrase "on the QT" is used here to indicate that the athlete preferred to discuss the issue in private and without any unnecessary attention or publicity.

    • The boss asked me to keep our discussion on new marketing strategies on the QT as he doesn't want our competitors to find out about them.

      The phrase "on the QT" is used here to mean confidential or secret. The speaker is saying that they have been asked to keep the discussion about new marketing strategies a secret because the boss doesn't want their competitors to find out about them. This idiom originated in the early 1900s and was popularized by gangsters and underworld figures, suggesting that the conversation being kept secret is of an illicit or criminal nature. However, nowadays it can be used more generally to mean any information or discussion that is private or confidential.

    • The boss called me into his office and said, "Listen, I have some bad news on the QT. Our client has pulled out of the project."

      The expression "on the QT" means "confidentially" or "secretly." In this example, the boss is letting the employee know about the client's withdrawal in a confidential manner, without spreading the news to other employees.

    • My friend told me over the phone, "Don't spread this around, but I've been offered a job on the QT."

      Again, "on the QT" is used to indicate confidentiality. In this example, the friend is sharing their job offer with the listener, but only on the condition that it remains a secret.

    • During the meeting, the sales manager whispered to me, "I've got a lead on a big deal, but keep it on the QT but we're going to need everyone's help to close it."

      This example demonstrates the use of "on the QT" in a context where the information being shared is important and the speaker wants to keep it between a select few.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "On the QT" is used to indicate doing something secretly or privately. It can be used to describe an action that is done in a confidential manner, away from public knowledge.

    Origin of "On the QT"

    The origin of the idiom "On the QT" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The "QT" in the idiom is believed to stand for "quiet," indicating the secretive or private nature of the action. The idiom has been used in various forms of literature and media over the years, solidifying its place in the English language. The use of the idiom has persisted, and it continues to be a commonly used expression in modern English. For example, "They conducted the meeting on the QT to avoid any leaks to the press."