Underhanded: meaning, definitions and examples

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underhanded

[ ˌʌndərˈhændɪd ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

Characterized by deceit or dishonesty; not straightforward or honest.

Synonyms

deceitful, dishonest, sneaky

Examples of usage

He resorted to underhanded tactics to win the competition.
The underhanded scheme was eventually exposed by the authorities.

^{Context #2}

action

Done secretly or in a way that is not easily noticed.

Synonyms

covert, stealthy, surreptitious

Examples of usage

She made an underhanded move to gain an advantage in the game.
The underhanded deal was made behind closed doors.

Translations

Translations of the word "underhanded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sub-reptício

🇮🇳 छलपूर्ण

🇩🇪 hinterhältig

🇮🇩 licik

🇺🇦 підступний

🇵🇱 podstępny

🇯🇵 陰険な

🇫🇷 sournois

🇪🇸 engañoso

🇹🇷 sinsi

🇰🇷 교활한

🇸🇦 مخادع

🇨🇿 záludný

🇸🇰 zákerný

🇨🇳 阴险的

🇸🇮 zahrbten

🇮🇸 undirförull

🇰🇿 айлакер

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 hiyləgər

🇲🇽 engañoso

Word origin

The word 'underhanded' has its origins in the early 19th century. It combines the prefix 'under-' meaning 'beneath' or 'below', and 'handed' referring to the hand as a symbol of action or work. The term originally referred to actions done in a deceitful or dishonest manner, often in a way that was not easily noticed or detected.