under-the-table \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: from the phrase under the table : carried out in a secret or confidential manner : sub-rosa < has the under-the-table backing of the remnants of the discredited political faction — New Orleans (La.) Times-Picayune >