under-the-counter
Illegally obtained goods
Under-the-counter describes transactions conducted secretly to avoid legal restrictions or official scrutiny.
The phrase evokes goods kept hidden beneath a shop counter rather than displayed openly: under-the-counter sales of prescription drugs, under-the-counter payments to avoid taxes.
The hyphenated form works as an adjective; without hyphens, it functions as an adverb: The deal was done under the counter.
Illicit trading network
- illegalForbidden by statute
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- bootlegIllegally produced goods
- smuggledMoved goods illegally
unlicensed · prohibited · underground · clandestine · backdoor · covert · shady · dodgy
Ready spending funds
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
- bribeIllicit payment for favor
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- payoffCulminating benefit received
unreported · untaxed · off-the-record · undeclared · secret · discreet · envelope · palm-greasing
Medical dispensing authorization
- medicationTherapeutic substance for illness
- pillsOral medication units
- drugsTherapeutic chemical compounds
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
painkillers · opioids · steroids · antibiotics · stimulants · sedatives · unregistered · unapproved
black-market
Illicit trading network
- illegalForbidden by statute
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
- bootlegIllegally produced goods
smuggled · unlicensed · prohibited · underground · clandestine · backdoor · covert · shady · dodgy · hush-hush
cash
Ready spending funds
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
- bribeIllicit payment for favor
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
payoff · unreported · untaxed · off-the-record · undeclared · secret · discreet · envelope · palm-greasing · backhander
prescription
Medical dispensing authorization
- medicationTherapeutic substance for illness
- pillsOral medication units
- drugsTherapeutic chemical compounds
pharmacy · painkillers · opioids · steroids · antibiotics · stimulants · sedatives · unregistered · unapproved · self-medication
under-the-counterlegitimate
Conforming to accepted standards
legal · above-board · lawful · licensed · authorized
under-the-counterover-the-counter
Buyable without medical authorization
transparent · open · public · documented · declared
under-the-counterover-the-counter
Buyable without medical authorization
retail · store-bought · off-the-shelf · on display · in plain sight
under, counter, counters, countered, countering, countable, uncountable, recount, account