plausible deniability

Originally CIA jargon from the 1950s, and popularized during the Watergate scandal (1970s).[1]

plausible deniability (uncountable)

1. (politics, business, military, espionage) The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence may be denied by those in authority.
   • 1987 July 16, Meyer Rangell, “Letters: Deniable Plausibility?”, in New York Times, retrieved 8 June 2015:

     Lieut. Col. Oliver L. North may have added a memorable phrase to the lexicon of political obfuscation at the Iran-contra hearings when he referred to his concern for "plausible deniability" as he carried out his covert activities.

   • 2001 June 24, Douglas C. Waller, “The Americans Left Behind”, in Time, retrieved 8 June 2015:

     Americans would stand out in the Laotian jungle, and Washington needed to retain plausible deniability. CIA officials demanded that Laotians on their payroll carry out the mission.

   • 2014 October 8, Davia Temin, “The Role Of Boards In Crisis”, in Forbes, retrieved 8 June 2015:

     No longer is plausible deniability acceptable, either for boards or for management. Corporate and nonprofit boards alike are expected to know of problems that are brewing deep within their organizations.

• plausible denial
• plausibly deny