under the counter

idiomPart ofcounter

under the counter — idiom

1. sold or done secretly and often illegally, especially when goods are scarce or r

1.idiom
Definition

sold or done secretly and often illegally, especially when goods are scarce or restricted

Example

During the shortage, some shopkeepers sold essential goods under the counter at higher prices.

The officer suspected that cigarettes were being traded under the counter at the corner store.