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• under-the-table
  under-the-table

  adjective

  transacted in secret or in an underhanded manner.
• under the table
  under the table

  adjective

  (under-the-table when prenominal) done illicitly and secretly

under-the-table

American  

[uhn-der-thuh-tey-buhl] / ˈʌn dər ðəˈteɪ bəl /

adjective

1. transacted in secret or in an underhanded manner.

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under the table British  

adjective

1. (under-the-table when prenominal) done illicitly and secretly

2. slang drunk

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under the table Idioms  

1. In secret, as in They paid her under the table so as to avoid taxes. This term alludes to money being passed under a table in some shady transaction, such as a bribe. [Mid-1900s] Also see under the counter.

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Etymology

Origin of under-the-table

First recorded in 1945–50

Explanation

Anything that happens under-the-table is taking place secretly, like under-the-table payments that are illegal. The things on a table are easily seen, but it's not as easy to see what's happening under the table. That can help you remember that under-the-table activities are secret, covert, confidential, and sometimes illegal. If two businesses have an under-the-table agreement, no one else knows about it. If a company pays someone under-the-table, the money is not documented and therefore won't be taxed. Just about everything spies do happens under-the-table.

Example Sentences

Since 2022 she has lived in Mexico City, working odd jobs for under-the-table pay because she lacks legal status.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Pilot’s former CEO also extended the offer of under-the-table payments to at least 10 other executives in April, according to Berkshire’s filing.

From Washington Times • Nov. 29, 2023

That is the single ingredient lacking in her partnership with Carmy, which he admits during their under-the-table heart-to-heart.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2023

She cycled through seven under-the-table jobs - as a babysitter, housekeeper, waitress and construction worker - within the first year.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2023

The lady walked gravely toward him, whereupon William again followed the under-the-table route, and finally flopped into a chair by his own desk.

From William Adolphus Turnpike by Banks, William

Related Words

• banned
• criminal
• illegitimate
• illicit
• irregular
• outlawed
• prohibited
• smuggled
• unauthorized
• unconstitutional
• unlawful
• unlicensed
• unwarranted
• wrongful