black money

American  

noun

1. income earned surreptitiously or illegally, usually in cash, and not reported to the government so as to avoid paying taxes on it.

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black money British  

noun

1. that part of a nation's income that relates to its black economy

2. any money that a person or organization acquires illegally, as by a means that involves tax evasion

3. money to fund a government project that is concealed in the cost of some other project

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Etymology

Origin of black money

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

That was supposed to deprive criminals of “black money.”

From New York Times

It also observed that electoral bonds were not the only scheme to curb the use of cash or "black money" and asked the government to explore other alternatives.

From BBC

He said that’s because “The Black Book is a film by Black people, Black actors, Black producers, Black money 100%, and it’s gone ahead to become a global blockbuster.”

From Seattle Times

But generally, says Black, money “is the thing that always leaves.”

From Los Angeles Times

A few have also noted that while the 2016 campaign helped the government claw back nearly all of the withdrawn bills, it did not eliminate unaccounted-for cash, known as black money, from the economy.

From New York Times