under the counter
The phrase "under the counter" typically refers to secretive, often illegal transactions or the availability of hidden products.
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Definition
B2Commerce
(informal)Refers to products that are not openly displayed but are available upon request, often due to legal restrictions.
Example
- The shopkeeper sold cigarettes under the counter to avoid breaking the law.
B2Law
(informal, colloquial)Describes transactions conducted secretly and often illegally.
Example
- The detective found evidence of under-the-counter deals in the company's financial records.
B2General
(informal)In a secretive or unofficial manner, often to avoid detection or scrutiny.
Example
- He was paid under the counter to avoid taxes.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "under the counter":
under the tableunder the coversunder the carpetunder glassover the counterbelow stairs