on a need-to-know basis
US /ɒn ə niːd tə noʊ ˈbeɪsɪs/
UK /ɒn ə niːd tə noʊ ˈbeɪsɪs/
1.
only telling people information that they need to know and not telling them anything else
:
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Access to the confidential files is strictly on a need-to-know basis.
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We'll share information with you on a need-to-know basis as the project progresses.