Under the counter
adjective
To sell or purchase goods illegally or without proper authorization.
He managed to buy the rare book under the counter at a local book shop.
Often appears as...
- sell under the counter
- buy under the counter
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
In a way that is not noticeable or not meant to be noticed.
They ran the entire operation under the counter so as to avoid detection.
Often appears as...
- operate under the counter
- work under the counter
Usage tips
Colloquial
adjective
To sell or purchase goods illegally or without proper authorization.
He managed to buy the rare book under the counter at a local book shop.
Often appears as...
- sell under the counter
- buy under the counter
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
In a way that is not noticeable or not meant to be noticed.
They ran the entire operation under the counter so as to avoid detection.
Often appears as...
- operate under the counter
- work under the counter
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Illegal Transactions
Refers to buying or selling things in violation of the law or rules.
He was caught selling watches under the counter.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Deals
Used to describe deals done secretly to avoid taxes or regulations.
They offered to sell it under the counter to avoid sales tax.
Pro Tip 3/3Bypassing Restrictions
Implies getting something that's usually restricted or not openly sold.
Prescription drugs are sometimes sold under the counter.
Pro Tip 1/3Illegal Transactions
Refers to buying or selling things in violation of the law or rules.
He was caught selling watches under the counter.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Deals
Used to describe deals done secretly to avoid taxes or regulations.
They offered to sell it under the counter to avoid sales tax.
Pro Tip 3/3Bypassing Restrictions
Implies getting something that's usually restricted or not openly sold.
Prescription drugs are sometimes sold under the counter.
Pro Tip 1/3Illegal Transactions
Refers to buying or selling things in violation of the law or rules.
He was caught selling watches under the counter.
Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Deals
Used to describe deals done secretly to avoid taxes or regulations.
They offered to sell it under the counter to avoid sales tax.
Pro Tip 3/3Bypassing Restrictions
Implies getting something that's usually restricted or not openly sold.
Prescription drugs are sometimes sold under the counter.
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