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

Medical and dental care itself remains closed off to the private sector, even though paying for crowns, fillings and medical procedures under the table has become routine in the public health system. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

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

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