Under the table

Meaning

Secret and often illegal payment.

Usage

Used for hush money or bribes.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Refers to hiding money under a table to avoid notice.

Used in early 20th-century American labor reports.