below the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is done secretly or in a hidden manner, often implying something unethical or illegal. Example: "The deal was made below the table, avoiding any scrutiny from the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

His ass was in the chair, but his hands pressed the floor, his head bent below the table.

The New Yorker

A video camera installed below the table maps the shapes from the infrared light reflected off the hands.

The New York Times - Tech

"Now, it's below the table," said the senator, who held a hearing on this matter last week.

The New York Times

The kitchen can now see and tape all, down to intimate scribbles and once discreet physical moves above or below the table.

The New York Times - Food

Unfazed, Will grabbed an optic orange ball and crouched below the table, inviting me to pick the hand that held the ball.

The New York Times

An unshaved bodyguard wearing a kaffiyeh scarf around his neck stood under the portrait, and there were several other bodyguards standing on the floor below the table.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The sport is such a magnet for shady characters and below-the-table dealings that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was introduced in Congress this past May, with the intention of curbing rampant dope abuse and "ensuring the integrity and safety" of horse racing.

Vice

Interpretation and discussion follow below the tables.

BMC Nursing

Specifics are listed below the tables for ease of access.

BMC Genomics

Adjustments for all outcomes are outlined below the tables.

BMJ Open

Definitions of price types are explained in the text or below the tables and graphs.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "below the table" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "sub rosa" or a more descriptive explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "below the table" in contexts where a literal interpretation is likely but unintended. For example, instead of saying 'The solution was found below the table', if you mean it was discovered unexpectedly, consider 'The solution was unexpectedly discovered' to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the table" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or noun, indicating location or manner. Ludwig provides examples showing both literal and figurative uses, such as indicating physical position or describing secretive actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "below the table" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate a physical position or, more figuratively, to imply secrecy or illicit activity. Ludwig's analysis highlights its correct usage, with various examples across News & Media, Science, and other contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, and while alternatives like "under the table" or "secretly" can be used, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning intended. Overall, "below the table" is a versatile and valid phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under the table

Replaces 'below' with 'under', indicating a more direct spatial relationship.

Beneath the table

Substitutes 'below' with 'beneath', offering a slightly more formal alternative.

Underneath the table

Similar to 'under the table', but emphasizes the covered or concealed aspect.

Secretly

Focuses on the hidden or clandestine nature of an action, removing the spatial element.

Off the record

Indicates information not meant for public consumption, diverging from the literal meaning.

Behind closed doors

Emphasizes privacy and exclusion from public view, altering the literal table context.

In secret

Highlights the confidential aspect, without directly referencing the table.

Out of sight

Focuses on being unseen or hidden, broadening the scope beyond a literal table.

Sub rosa

A more formal and less common way of saying 'in secret'.

Clandestinely

Describes actions done secretly and illicitly.

FAQs

How can I use "below the table" in a sentence?

You can use "below the table" to describe a physical location, such as 'The cat hid below the table'. It's also used figuratively to mean something done secretly or illicitly, like 'The deal was arranged "below the table"'.

What are some synonyms for "below the table" when referring to secrecy?

When referring to secrecy, you can use alternatives like "secretly", "off the record", or "behind closed doors".

Is "below the table" or "under the table" more appropriate?

"Below the table" and "under the table" are often interchangeable when referring to a physical location. However, when referring to something secretive, "below the table" might subtly imply something more illicit or hidden than simply being "under" something.

What's the difference between "below the table" and "under the table"?

While both "below the table" and "under the table" can describe physical position, "below the table" more often carries the connotation of secrecy or underhandedness, while "under the table" tends to be more neutral.