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Region: General | Usage example: He was paid under the table to avoid taxes.

Under the table

Meaning

Secret and often illegal payment.

Usage

Used for hush money or bribes.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Refers to hiding money under a table to avoid notice.

Used in early 20th-century American labor reports.

Related Idioms

Drink someone under the table

Outdrink another person.

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Under your belt

Gained experience or completed.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.