official channels
Sanctioned communication routes
Official channels are the established, authorized routes for communication or action within an organization or between institutions.
The phrase implies proper procedure—going through your supervisor rather than around them, filing paperwork rather than making informal requests: If you want results, you'll have to go through official channels.
Often used with mild frustration about bureaucratic slowness or to contrast with shortcuts that bypass protocol.
- bureaucracyRigid administrative system
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- properSocially appropriate
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
paperwork · chain of command · chain of custody · authorized · procedure · red tape · rubber stamp · diplomatic · government · memo · correspondence · approved · sanctioned · by the book · legitimate · due process · administration · clearance
- bureaucracybureaucracy, bureaucrat, bureaucrats, red tape, civil service
- bureaucracy in filmred tape, paperwork, civil servants, agencies, hierarchies
- diplomatic languagewith all due respect, no comment, at this time, in good faith, mutual understanding
- government outreachpublic information, PSAs, public service announcements, public notices, community outreach
- PRpublic relations, press release, PR agency, media kit, PR campaign
official channelsback channels
Informal secret communication routes
back doors · under the table · off the books · workarounds · end runs
official channelsimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
winging it · direct action · shortcuts · word of mouth · old boy network
official channelsbehind closed doors
In private, unobserved
under the radar · clandestine operations · black ops · shadow networks · cloak and dagger
official, channel, officials, officially, officialdom, officiate, officiated, officiating, officer