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Under the table

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiom meaning secretly, illegally, or unofficially, often referring to payments, deals, or activities conducted away from public view or legal oversight to avoid detection.

Detailed Definition
Under the table means hidden, secret, unofficial, or illicit, especially in relation to payments or dealings. In poetry, the idiom can describe bribery, covert bargains, secret gestures, hidden drinking, or emotional transactions concealed beneath respectable surfaces. The table image suggests public conversation above and hidden exchange below. A poet may use it satirically or darkly to expose corruption, hypocrisy, or shame. It is useful for exploring what societies display openly and what they conduct out of sight.
Example
Example in poetry:
A political satire might show bribes passed under the table while speeches praise honour; In a tavern poem, secret cards and coins move under the table as songs grow louder; The phrase means secretly, dishonestly, or unofficially; A poet can use it for corruption and hidden dealings.
Additional Notes
Under the table means secret, hidden, or illegal, often referring to payments made unofficially. The table image suggests respectable dealings above and concealed transactions below. In poetry, it can expose bribery, class survival, black markets, family secrets, or forbidden gestures. Students should notice the spatial morality: what is hidden beneath social surfaces may sustain or corrupt the visible order. It pairs well with hands, envelopes, coins, meals, and silence.
Also Known As
secretly
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