under the table

1 of 2

phrase

1

: into a stupor

can drink you under the table

2

: in a covert manner

took money under the table

under-the-table

2 of 2

adjective

un·​der-the-ta·​ble ˈən-dər-ṯẖə-ˈtā-bəl 

: covert and usually unlawful

under-the-table payoffs

Examples of under the table in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Beijing has instead rendered aid and supported the Iranian regime under the table with black market oil refineries, intelligence sharing, and cooperation on technologies. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026

His first job was at age 14 in a mom-and-pop video store, where because of his age he was paid under the table in unlimited rentals. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Adjective

That is, until Russell Crowe’s Warden Clancy offers Murphy an under-the-table deal. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

The Timberwolves were punished so drastically because all sides put the under-the-table arrangement in writing, making the evidence clear. — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for under the table

• allocable
• educable
• irrigable
• purchasable
• thermostable
• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable