under-the-table

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

adjective

transacted in secret or in an underhanded manner.

Origin of under-the-table

First recorded in 1945–50

Definition for under the table (2 of 2)

table
[ tey-buh l ]
/ ˈteɪ bəl /

noun

verb (used with object), ta·bled, ta·bling.

adjective

of, relating to, or for use on a table: a table lamp.
suitable for serving at a table or for eating or drinking: table grapes.

Origin of table

before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English tabule, variant of tabula < Latin: plank, tablet; (v.) late Middle English: to record on a table, entertain at table, derivative of the noun

OTHER WORDS FROM table

ta·ble·less, adjective un·ta·bled, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for under the table (1 of 2)

under the table

adjective

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

British Dictionary definitions for under the table (2 of 2)

table
/ (ˈteɪbəl) /

noun

verb (tr)

Derived forms of table

tableful, noun tableless, adjective

Word Origin for table

C12: via Old French from Latin tabula a writing tablet

Medical definitions for under the table

table
[ tābəl ]

n.

An article of furniture supported by one or more vertical legs and having a flat horizontal surface.
An orderly arrangement of data, especially one in which the data are arranged in columns and rows in an essentially rectangular form.
An abbreviated list, as of contents; a synopsis.
The inner or outer flat layer of bones of the skull separated by the diploe.

Idioms and Phrases with under the table (1 of 2)

under the table

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.

Idioms and Phrases with under the table (2 of 2)

table

see clear out (the table); lay one's cards on the table; on the table; set the table; turn the tables; under the table; wait at table.