"Take my answer off the air"

If something is "on the air" that means that it is broadcast or put on public view. So taking stg off the air means to remove it from public view.

Not exactly what I mean. My question does relate to the complete phrase when somebody is done with his call on a radio program, like National Public Radio, and ends his call with the expression: "I will take my answer off the air."

What is the origin of this phrase?

It means "I will accept my answer 'off the air'." Perhaps the caller realizes that not all the listeners will be interested in hearing the answer to his question, so he tells the host "you can answer me privately; you don't have to broadcast your response to my question." It's a polite way for the caller to say "you don't need to use up more radio time on me, just tell me the answer but don't i

Indisputably brilliant response. Thanks a lot.

Indisputably brilliant response

Can I put that on my resume? Thanks -- you made my day!

Why not? Of course you can, without the slightest doubt. Have a good one. :-)

I think it could also mean "I'm not going to keep the phone connection open while you answer. I'll hang up and just listen to my radio to hear the response."

When you call in to the radio, if your own radio is on, it can create some nasty feedback, and since there is a tiny time delay, it can be very distracting. So you call in, they take your call, you say "Hi, I'd like to ask about thi

The phrase is one used by callers-in to radio programs, as a way of indicating that they are going to hang up and let the guest answer the question. (I.e. the caller doesn't plan to ask a follow-up question, and isn't interested in getting into a discussion.)

It's frankly rather annoying, because it takes up air time without really adding anything to the conversation.

Trick question:

What does, "off the record" mean?

Why is that a trick question?

It means that whatever you say to a reporter can't be attributed directly to you. Make sure you establish that you're speaking off the record before you say a word. If you talk to the reporter and then say "Oh, that was all off the record" there is no obligation to make it so.