under-the-counter

[ uhn-der-thuh-koun-ter ]

adjective

1. (of merchandise) sold clandestinely.
2. illegal; unauthorized:

   under-the-counter payments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of under-the-counter¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

Secretly, surreptitiously, as in I'm sure they're selling liquor to minors under the counter . This expression most often alludes to an illegal transaction, the counter being the flat-surfaced furnishing or table over which legal business is conducted. It was first recorded in 1926. Also see under the table .

Example Sentences

After unsuccessfully canvassing friends for abortion medication, her husband bought some under-the-counter misoprostol pills — which are also used to treat stomach ulcers — from a pharmacy in a town close to the Turkish border.

From Los Angeles Times

“We can grow almost all leafy green vegetables, most culinary herbs, some ornamental flowers, and a few fruiting varieties such as peppers which is unique to our under-the-counter model,” Massey said.

From Washington Times

Sales of chest freezers and under-the-counter freezers are up, a trend which normally happens in the run-up to Christmas as people stock up, the AO.com spokesperson added.

From BBC

The houses will measure at 8 feet by 16 feet and include an under-the-counter refrigerator, a day bed, a microwave, built-in storage, a full bath with a shower and a ceiling fan.

From Washington Times

So expand the space you do have with smaller appliances, such as under-the-counter refrigerators, and appliances built into a wall.

From Los Angeles Times