under-the-table
|un/der/the/ta/ble|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌn.dər.ðəˈteɪ.bəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌn.də.ðəˈteɪ.bəl/
secretive or illegal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'under-the-table' originates from the English phrase 'under the table,' where 'under' meant 'beneath' and 'table' referred to a piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs.
Historical Evolution
'under-the-table' evolved from the literal meaning of being beneath a table to a figurative expression indicating secretive or illicit actions.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'beneath a table,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'secretly or illegally.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
secretly or illegally, especially in reference to payments or transactions.
He was paid under-the-table to avoid taxes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45