underhand

[ uhn-der-hand ]

adjective

1. executed with the hand below the level of the shoulder and the palm turned upward and forward:

   an underhand delivery of a ball.

2. underhanded ( def 1 ):

   an underhand deal with the chief of police.

   Synonyms: surreptitious, clandestine, sly, stealthy

adverb

1. with the hand below the level of the shoulder and the palm turned upward and forward:

   to bowl underhand.

2. secretly; stealthily; slyly.

underhand

/ ˈʌndəˌhænd /

adjective

1. clandestine, deceptive, or secretive
2. See underarm
   sport another word for underarm

adverb

1. in an underhand manner or style

Word History and Origins

Origin of underhand¹

First recorded before 900; 1530–40 underhand fordef 2; Middle English adverb under honde “in one's possession, in one's charge, secretly,” Old English under hand, under hond(e) “in one's possession, in one's subjection, in one's power”; under-, hand

Example Sentences

His avarice was disgusting beyond words, and with avarice went a tendency to underhand dealing, harshness, and malice.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of his thinking forced the conclusion that Gregory was innocent of any underhand work.

From Project Gutenberg

By such false pretenses and underhand proceedings at Florence, the people of Rome, as well as their heroic friends, were deceived.

From Project Gutenberg

You work on an underhand system of policy which will be turned against you, for France will be tired of your shuffling.

From Project Gutenberg

"This seems to be Dirk Hawley's day for underhand work," muttered Chub.

From Project Gutenberg