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

Example Sentences

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

The revelations caused a huge scandal and inspired mammoth state probes into the scale of under-the-table lobbying in Irish politics.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023

He said an operation by his forces had ended the siege, though some Sudanese suspect that foreign mediators had brokered an under-the-table agreement that saw the RSF allow him to leave.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2023

They joined his wife’s family in Fremont, Calif., where Carrillo, who has a tourist visa but not a work permit, washed dishes at a restaurant for under-the-table pay.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 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