Under the Table

Etymology:

• Bribe or payoff has always been used by people who want to influence official by passing money in secret. The money is usually paid for tasks that are unlawful. Another comparison of this expression is the cheating card players that pass the cards to their partners under the table. Selling of liquor was considered illegal in United States in 1920s, but some sellers transport it while keeping it hidden from the police. Another origin of this expression is from World War II when the sale of many items was not allowed but the storekeepers still sold it under their counters secretly. In short, the phrase “under the table” has been originated from various instances to describe any secret or illegal transaction.