shady deal
Under-the-table arrangement
A shady deal is a transaction or agreement that's dishonest, illegal, or ethically questionable.
The shadiness suggests something hidden from light—conducted in secrecy because it wouldn't withstand scrutiny: He made some shady deals with local politicians.
The phrase implies corruption, fraud, or at minimum a lack of transparency that should make anyone wary.
- backroomPrivate space for dealings
- smoke-filled roomSecret political negotiation venue
- back alleyPassage behind buildings
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- bribeIllicit payment for favor
palm greasing · under the table · brown envelope · handshake · quid pro quo · corrupt · crooked · sleazy · underhanded · hustle · scheme · inside job · scam · racket · payoff · hush money · funny money · launder
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- mischiefmischief, hijinks, antics, pranks, antic
- easy moneyeasy money, quick buck, fast cash, windfall, gravy train
shady dealethical business
Commerce following moral principles
square deal · win-win deal · mutual agreement · handshake deal
shady, deal, shade, shades, shaded, shading, shadiness, shadowy, shadow