under-the-counter

• Bezeichnet etwas, das heimlich und oft illegal getan oder beschafft wird, besonders im Handel oder bei Geschäften.

Describes something that is done or obtained secretly and illegally, often in the context of transactions or trade.

1. Illicit or secretC1informal

   Done or sold in a secret and illegal manner, often to avoid taxes or regulations.

   Illegal oder geheim

   • He bought the rare medicine under-the-counter from a black market dealer.
   • The shop was known for its under-the-counter sales of smuggled goods.
   • Under-the-counter payments are often used to bypass official channels.

   Synonymeblack-marketbootlegclandestinecovertillegalillicitsurreptitiousunofficial

   Antonymeaboveboardlegallicitopen