back channel

or back·chan·nel

[ bak chan-l ]

noun

1. a secret, unofficial, or informal channel of communication as used in politics or diplomacy:

   sensitive information passed on through a back channel.

Other Words From

• back-chan·nel adjective
• back-chan·nel·ing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of back channel¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

She added that China may also be "likely worried that that they lack reliable back channels to influence Trump's policy".

From BBC

“This sort of trouble is always handled through back channels,” Nam said.

From Los Angeles Times

During an early 2000s bird flu outbreak in Vietnam, farmers circumvented regulations by moving poultry at night, bribing inspection workers, and selling their goods through back channels.

From Salon

Another email directly used the phrase "back channel" — a key part of prosecutors' argument about Costello's role.

From Salon

The United States has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979, and discussions are often conducted through intermediaries and back channels.

From New York Times