under the table
“Under the table” – 🌒 Secret and dishonest. This term alludes to money literally being passed under a table in some sneaky transaction, such as a bribe or cheating at cards. During Prohibition, there arose a variant, “under the counter,” alluding to illegal liquor sales. Later, during World War II, this same term applied to rationed or black-market items kept by storekeepers for favored customers.
- Under the counter – Illicitly or secretively sold items.
- Behind closed doors – Hidden from public view.
- Off the books – Unofficial; unrecorded and untaxed.
- Backdoor deal – Secret and usually unscrupulous agreement.
- In black and white (antonym) – Clear and transparent.
Synonyms:
- Surreptitious 🤫
- Covert 🕵️♂️
- Underhand🔍
- Black-market 🌑
Antonyms:
- Above board 🌞
- Transparent 🪟
- Legitimate ✔️
Humor-filled Quotes:
Come aboard the secret train of life’s giggles, with mystery stops! 🎢
“I once handed a guy money under the table. Turns out, he was just looking for a dropped contact lens. Try explaining that!” — Chuck Laidback, stand-up comedian
“Doing things under the table is like raising kittens in the dark; they grow up thinking shadiness is just normal.” — Artie Jokes, humorist.
Proverbs and References:
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Always remember, the most fascinating tales often live in the darkness beneath the surface. But tread carefully, for not all shadows harbor goodwill.
### What does "under the table" mean?
- [x] Secret and dishonest
- [ ] Memorizing facts
- [ ] Celebrating openly
- [ ] Writing a story
> **Explanation:** "Under the table" refers to secret and dishonest actions, particularly involving money or transactions.
### Which variant arose during Prohibition?
- [ ] Behind the door
- [x] Under the counter
- [ ] Over the moon
- [ ] Through the window
> **Explanation:** During Prohibition, the term "under the counter" became popular, relating to illegal liquor sales.
### True or False: The term "under the table" can be associated with cheating at cards.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! "Under the table" can definitely refer to cheating at cards, referring to secretive underhanded dealings.
### Which of these phrases is a synonym for "under the table"?
- [ ] Above board
- [ ] Transparent
- [x] Covert
- [ ] In plain sight
> **Explanation:** "Covert" is a synonym for "under the table," meaning something hidden or secretive.
### What does an antonym of "under the table" mean?
- [ ] Hidden
- [x] Open and honest
- [ ] Stealthy
- [ ] Dishonest and obscure
> **Explanation:** An antonym for "under the table" would be something open and honest, such as "transparent" or "above board."
### Fill in the blank: During _________, "under the counter" meant selling illegal liquor.
- [ ] The Renaissance
- [x] Prohibition
- [ ] The Industrial Revolution
- [ ] The Cold War
> **Explanation:** During Prohibition, the term "under the counter" was used to describe the secret and illicit selling of liquor.
### Which expression refers to a deal made secretly and usually unscrupulously?
- [ ] In plain sight
- [x] Backdoor deal
- [ ] Above the board
- [ ] Public affair
> **Explanation:** A "backdoor deal" is a secret and typically unscrupulous agreement or negotiation.
### True or False: "Off the books" is an antonym of "under the table."
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False - “Off the books” is actually a synonym for “under the table,” meaning unofficial and unrecorded.
### What should be done carefully to catch the vibe of secret dealings?
- [ ] Public holidays
- [x] Tread carefully
- [ ] Loud announcements
- [ ] Above board work
> **Explanation:** One should "tread carefully" in the shady world of under-the-table dealings.
### Which phrase is not commonly associated with secrecy?
- [x] In black and white
- [ ] Backdoor deal
- [ ] Under the counter
- [ ] Off the books
> **Explanation:** "In black and white" is a term usually indicating clarity and transparency, the opposite of secrecy.
