under-the-table
/ˌʌn.də.ðəˈteɪ.bl̩/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Done secretly and illegally, usually to hide money, gifts, or payments. It often suggests dishonesty in business, politics, or work.
- They made an under-the-table payment.
- He got under-the-table cash for the job.
- The company offered under-the-table deals.
Adinary Nuance
Under-the-table is stronger than secret and more negative than private. It often means money or help is being hidden to avoid rules, taxes, or official records. Writers choose it when they want to show dishonesty, not just confidentiality.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lén lút
- Spanish
- ilegal
- Chinese
- 私下的
- Japanese
- 裏取引の
- Korean
- 뒷거래의
Etymology
This phrase comes from the idea of hiding something under a table so others cannot see it. It has been used in English since the 20th century, mainly for secret illegal payments.
Common phrases
under-the-table paymentunder-the-table cashunder-the-table dealunder-the-table job
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is under-the-table formal or informal?
- It is fairly informal, but it is common in news and business writing.
- Does under-the-table always mean illegal?
- Usually, yes. It suggests secret actions that break rules or avoid taxes.
- What is the difference between under-the-table and secret?
- Secret only means hidden. Under-the-table usually adds the idea of wrongdoing.
- Can I use under-the-table for jobs?
- Yes. It often describes unpaid, unreported, or illegal work arrangements.