go on record

Idioms

Embrace a position publicly. For example, I want to go on record in favor of the mayor's reelection. It is also put as for the record, as in For the record, we support sending troops there. The record in both signifies either publication or public knowledge. Both expressions date from the first half of the 1900s, although slightly different phrases, such as put on record, are older. Also see just for the record; off the record.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To go on record and say yes, people would come after me.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

Most did not want to go on record with their opinions because of a fear of reprisals, but one footballer, who plays in the sixth tier of the women's game, was willing to speak anonymously.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2025

“Every member will have to go on record where they stand,” the Republican McCarthy said at the Capitol.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2023

Mazin: Let me just go on record, again.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2023

I want to go on record as saying that.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023