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How to Pronounce "under the counter"

expression

ˈəndɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkaʊntɝ
UN-der thuh KOWN-ter
ˈʌndɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈaʊntɐ
UN-duh the KOWN-tuh

Definition

If something is done 'under the counter', it is sold or done secretly and often illegally, without official permission.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈəndɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkaʊntɝ

British English

ˈʌndɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈaʊntɐ

Simplified Pronunciation

US

UN-der thuh KOWN-ter

UK

UN-duh the KOWN-tuh

Listen in Context

The store sells medicine under the counter without a license.

He bought cigarettes under the counter because he was too young.

Alcohol was sold under the counter during the ban.

Some fans can still get tickets under the counter if they know the right people.