off-the-books

adjective

ˈȯf-ṯẖə-ˈbu̇ks 

: not reported or recorded

off-the-books transactions

off-the-books covert operations

off the books adverb

Examples of off-the-books in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to interviews and records, Perera built an off-the-books real estate and construction business, parts of which operated in Ohio. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers arranged secret, off-the-books sponsorship deals for Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, first reported by The New York Times. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Leonard, who made tens of millions in off-the-books, no-show endorsements, made out like a bandit with this settlement, especially since his $51 million contract for the coming season was not voided. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

In Disclosure Day, cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (O’Connor) steals files confirming alien contact from the Wardex Corporation, an off-the-books non-governmental organization. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for off-the-books

• overlooks
• pocketbooks
• books
• cooks
• crooks
• hooks
• looks
• nooks
• rooks
• chapbooks
• cookbooks
• guidebooks