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

See Examples For:

black money

Past efforts to attract black money into the light—using tax amnesties, for example—have had little effect.

From Economist ● Dec. 1, 2016

It’s an open secret that much of this is fueled by black money, and it infuriates many Indians.

From Slate ● Nov. 28, 2016

Also controversial is a plan to tackle black money stored abroad to evade tax with legislation that will include 10 years’ imprisonment for those found guilty.

From Newsweek ● Mar. 2, 2015

In a country where "black money", or undeclared wealth, is rampant, Sahara's size and spending power have long fuelled speculation over how the company operates.

From Reuters ● Sep. 26, 2012

By another Act in this king's reign black money was not to be current in England, and by an Act made in the eleventh year of his reign, chap.

From Political Pamphlets by Saintsbury, George