under the table
1 of 2phrase
1
: into a stupor
can drink you under the table
2
: in a covert manner
took money under the table
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
Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Skinner is a reprieve from Aishe’s life working in brutal restaurant kitchens for under-the-table wages; Aishe is a grounding force for Skinner, grieving the loss of his best friend and managing his PTSD symptoms with a cocktail of meds and plenty of booze.
—Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
As alluded to previously, many athletes accepted under-the-table payments from schools (and their partners) who knew their contributions have a meaningful impact on their (and their partners’) bottom line.
—Nick Lomaglio, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The truth is, under the old system, plenty of elite players were there only for the under-the-table cash.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under the table
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Adjective
This controversy over, perhaps, some unaccounted-for under-the-table money will not change his on-court legacy much.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Skinner is a reprieve from Aishe’s life working in brutal restaurant kitchens for under-the-table wages; Aishe is a grounding force for Skinner, grieving the loss of his best friend and managing his PTSD symptoms with a cocktail of meds and plenty of booze.
—Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
As alluded to previously, many athletes accepted under-the-table payments from schools (and their partners) who knew their contributions have a meaningful impact on their (and their partners’) bottom line.
—Nick Lomaglio, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The truth is, under the old system, plenty of elite players were there only for the under-the-table cash.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under the table
Cite this Entry
“Under the table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20the%20table. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
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