- A suggestion made during a group discussion (meeting, call, email thread, group chat) to discuss a specific, tangential, or sensitive topic separately.
- It means moving the conversation out of the current group forum and into a different channel, often more private or involving fewer people (e.g., a direct message, separate call, one-on-one meeting).
- Used for efficiency (to keep the main meeting on track), privacy, or because the topic isn't relevant to everyone present.
Explanation
Origin
- Emerged directly from the digital communication era (late 20th/early 21st century).
- Contrasts the current online group interaction (email chain, conference call, chat) with an offline interaction (a separate, subsequent discussion).
- The internet and digital tools created the context where being online together was the default for group work, making offline the logical term for breaking away.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Let's connect later on this.
- Ping me / DM me about that after. (Contact me directly)
- Hit me up later. (Contact me later very informal)
More Formal:
- Perhaps we could address that point in a dedicated follow-up meeting.
- I suggest deferring this topic to a separate discussion between the relevant individuals.
- Let's schedule a separate session for this item.
Situational Appropriateness
- Extremely common and standard practice in modern business communication (meetings, calls, emails, chats).
- Considered professional and efficient when used appropriately to keep group discussions focused.
- Essential jargon in many corporate and tech environments.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might initially think it means literally disconnecting from the internet. Clarify that it means discuss in a different place/time, usually more privately or with fewer people. The contrast is between the *current group forum* and *another forum*.
Examples
- (In a team meeting) That's a detailed technical issue specific to your module. Let's take this offline after the call.
- (In a group email) Regarding the budget concerns you raised, maybe you and finance can connect offline to sort out the specifics?
- Good question, but it might derail our agenda. Can we discuss that offline?
Dialogue
Context
(During a project status video call with multiple teams)
Team Lead A: ...and we're facing a challenge integrating the API from Team B.
Team Lead B: Really? We tested it thoroughly. What specific errors are you seeing?
Project Manager: Okay, this sounds like a detailed technical point between A and B. To keep this call moving for everyone else, can you two please take this offline and troubleshoot? Let me know the outcome.
Team Lead A: Sure, makes sense. B, I'll message you after this.
Team Lead B: Sounds good.
Social Media Examples
- (In a busy Twitter thread) User X: Asks very specific personal question -> User Y: @UserX Happy to chat, but maybe let's take this offline to DMs? Might not be relevant to everyone here.
- (Work Slack channel) Colleague 1: Starts debating a complex, unrelated topic -> Colleague 2: Hey folks, interesting discussion, but can we take this offline or move it to the #random channel to keep this one focused on Project updates?
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Okay, sounds good., Sure, I'll ping you later., Agreed, let's sync up separately.
- Acknowledgement: Understood., Noted, will follow up.
- (Rarely) Clarification request: Can we just quickly confirm [one small point] before we move it offline? (usually brief)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting to take something offline:
- Arranging the separate discussion: I'll send you an invite., DM me when you're free., Let's grab 15 minutes tomorrow.
- The main group discussion resumes its original focus.
After agreeing to take it offline:
- The relevant participants make a note (mental or written) to follow up.
- The separate, focused discussion occurs later via the agreed channel.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a procedural suggestion used to manage an ongoing conversation or meeting.
Intonation
- Usually spoken politely but assertively, as a way to manage the conversation flow.
- Often neutral in tone, focusing on efficiency. Emphasis on offline.
- Let's take that OFFLINE.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by generations active in digital workplaces (primarily Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z). May be less intuitive to those not regularly participating in online group collaborations.
Regional Variations
- Common globally in international business English and tech communities.