under-the-table
[ uhn-der-th uh-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
Words nearby under-the-table
under the hammer,
under the impression,
under the influence,
under the knife,
under the sun,
under-the-table,
under the weather,
under the wire,
under way,
under wraps,
under-
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, adjectiveBritish 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, adjectiveWord Origin for table
C12: via Old French from Latin
tabula a writing tablet
Medical definitions for under the table
table
[ tā′bəl ]
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.