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

Instead, her dad looks under the table and sees a jumble of limbs with Chastain’s smiling face poking out at him. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Finally, a mystical Rabbi arrives and shocks the king and queen by taking off all his clothing, getting under the table and crowing like a rooster. — Josh Penn Soskin, Variety, 16 July 2026

Adjective

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

In addition, enterprising souls would indubitably turn to open-source generative AI and enlist AI mental health support under-the-table and under-the-radar of such laws. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Mar. 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