Question

Under the Table in secret, dishonestly; not out in the open

Accepted Answer

The boxer was accused of accepting money under the table to lose the fight. Sometimes people who wanted to unlawfully influence public officials passed money under the table (not out in the open) as a bribe or payoff. Cheating card players often slipped cards under the table to their partners. During Prohibition in the United States (1920-33) selling liquor was illegal, but people could buy it secretly under the counter (where the police couldn't see). During World War II, the sale of many daily items was rationed (strictly limited), but some shopkeepers kept things under the counter (not out on the shelves) for their friends and relatives. So from many sources, the phrase "under the table" has come to describe any dishonest transactions done on the sly. An idiom that has the same meaning is "under the counter."

Idiom	Under the Table
Example	The boxer was accused of accepting money under the table to lose the fight.
Meaning	in secret, dishonestly; not out in the open
Origin	Sometimes people who wanted to unlawfully influence public officials passed money under the table (not out in the open) as a bribe or payoff. Cheating card players often slipped cards under the table to their partners. During Prohibition in the United States (1920-33) selling liquor was illegal, but people could buy it secretly under the counter (where the police couldn't see). During World War II, the sale of many daily items was rationed (strictly limited), but some shopkeepers kept things under the counter (not out on the shelves) for their friends and relatives. So from many sources, the phrase "under the table" has come to describe any dishonest transactions done on the sly. An idiom that has the same meaning is "under the counter."

Table Money People Counter Boxer Accused Accepting Lose