Under the table

Definition

'Under the table' refers to an action or transaction that is done secretly or illicitly, often involving illegal payments or exchanges that evade formal scrutiny. This phrase is commonly associated with corruption, bribery, and unofficial dealings where transparency and legality are compromised. It illustrates how adverbs can indicate not only manner but also the context in which actions take place, emphasizing the importance of understanding nuances in language use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Under the table' payments can occur in various contexts, including employment, where workers might be paid in cash to avoid payroll taxes.
2. The phrase implies a lack of transparency and can suggest unethical practices, making it important in discussions about ethics and legality.
3. Such transactions are often harder to trace and can contribute to larger systemic issues like tax evasion and corruption.
4. In some cultures, 'under the table' dealings may be normalized, complicating efforts to regulate such practices and promote fairness.
5. Understanding the implications of 'under the table' can help in analyzing power dynamics and trust issues within financial relationships.

Review Questions

• How does the term 'under the table' illustrate the relationship between language and ethics in financial transactions?
  • 'Under the table' illustrates how language reflects ethical considerations in financial transactions by highlighting actions that lack transparency. This phrase is often used to describe illicit dealings that undermine trust and fairness in economic exchanges. It indicates a moral judgment on practices that evade scrutiny, emphasizing the need for clear communication about legality and ethical standards in financial matters.
• Discuss the implications of under-the-table payments on the formal economy and tax regulations.
  • 'Under-the-table' payments have significant implications for the formal economy as they create a disparity between reported income and actual earnings. This evasion undermines tax regulations by reducing government revenue and funding for public services. Additionally, such practices can harm legitimate businesses that comply with regulations, leading to unfair competition and potentially stunting overall economic growth.
• Evaluate how cultural perceptions of under-the-table dealings influence their prevalence in different societies.
  • 'Under-the-table' dealings are influenced by cultural perceptions that shape attitudes toward corruption and informal practices. In societies where these transactions are viewed as acceptable or even necessary for survival, such practices may be more prevalent. This normalization can create environments where ethical standards are blurred, making it challenging to implement reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in financial systems.

Related terms

bribery: 'Bribery' is the act of giving or receiving something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.

under-the-table payment: 'Under-the-table payment' is a payment made secretly, usually to avoid taxes or legal obligations, which is not documented or recorded in financial statements.

informal economy: 'Informal economy' refers to economic activities that are not regulated by the government and often operate outside of formal structures, including unregistered businesses and cash transactions.