Let’s explore the saying ‘under the table’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘under the table’ is used to describe something that is done secretly or illegally, typically to avoid detection or punishment. It implies actions or transactions conducted in a covert or dishonest manner, often involving deception or evasion of rules, regulations, or taxes. The phrase conveys the image of activities taking place out of sight or beyond the reach of authority, with participants seeking to conceal their actions to avoid consequences.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of the phrase ‘under the table’ is unclear, but it likely emerged from the image of illicit activities being conducted discreetly, such as passing money or goods under a table where they cannot be seen by others. The idiom has been used figuratively in the English language for centuries, reflecting the universal tendency of people to engage in clandestine or dishonest behavior to achieve their goals or evade accountability. Over time, it has become a common expression to describe actions or transactions conducted in secret or in violation of established rules or norms.
10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations
1. He was paying his employees under the table to avoid taxes and labor regulations.
2. She received a bribe under the table in exchange for favorable treatment.
3. They made a deal under the table to avoid official scrutiny and oversight.
4. He was receiving payments under the table for his services to avoid declaring income.
5. They were conducting business transactions under the table to circumvent trade regulations.
6. She was hired under the table to perform work off the books.
7. They were selling goods under the table to avoid paying sales taxes.
8. He was providing services under the table to undocumented immigrants.
9. They were making deals under the table to secure contracts through bribery.
10. She was receiving kickbacks under the table for her role in awarding contracts.
5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom
1. “Engaging in deals under the table may seem profitable in the short term, but the consequences can be severe in the long run.” – Unknown
2. “Operating under the table is a risky endeavor that often leads to legal and ethical consequences.” – Unknown
3. “Those who engage in business under the table undermine the integrity of fair competition and contribute to corruption.” – Unknown
4. “Being caught operating under the table can tarnish one’s reputation and lead to severe penalties.” – Unknown
5. “Deals made under the table may seem lucrative, but they often come with a heavy price to pay.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter U
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter U. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘U’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the U-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter U.
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