underhand
/ˌʌndəˈhænd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌndərˈhænd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈən-dər-ˌhand How to pronounce underhand (audio)/ (ame, mw)
underhand — adjective
- underhandpositive
- more underhandcomparative
- most underhandsuperlative
1. used for an action or plan that is hidden and unfair because it is meant to gain
used for an action or plan that is hidden and unfair because it is meant to gain an advantage.
The board canceled an underhand deal before the money changed hands.
underhand + deal for a hidden unfair action
Hassan warned us about the underhand tricks in the ticket market.
collocation: underhand tricks
The underhand campaign spread lies through fake neighborhood messages.
Astrid refused to join the underhand plot against her class captain.
- aboveboard
open and honest, with nothing hidden
- fair
emphasizes just treatment rather than secret advantage
文法句型
underhand + deal/trick/plot/method
用法筆記
Usually comes before nouns such as deal, trick, plot, or method. It suggests both secrecy and unfair intent, not simply privacy or low visibility.
常見錯誤
2. describing a throw, pass, serve, or similar action where the hand starts low and
describing a throw, pass, serve, or similar action where the hand starts low and comes forward beneath the shoulder.
Minho used an underhand serve to start the beginner tennis drill.
underhand + serve in sports instruction
The little girl made an underhand throw into the wide basket.
Coach Rivera asked for an underhand pass across the wet court.
An underhand motion helped Eli lift the ball over the net.
文法句型
underhand + throw/serve/pass/motion
用法筆記
Usually comes before nouns such as throw, serve, pass, or motion. It names the arm path itself and contrasts with overhand or sidearm styles.
常見錯誤
underhand — adverb
1. in a hidden and dishonest way, especially when someone is trying to get an unfai
in a hidden and dishonest way, especially when someone is trying to get an unfair advantage.
The landlord raised the fee underhand by adding hidden charges.
act underhand by hiding extra costs
The rivals acted underhand to steal the design before launch.
Nicholas campaigned underhand and spread false rumors about the principal.
The broker acted underhand and moved the shares into a relative's account.
- secretly
broader and does not always imply unfairness
- dishonestly
states the moral fault directly but does not stress concealment as strongly
- sneakily
more conversational and often used for smaller tricks
文法句型
act/work/campaign + underhand
用法筆記
Most often follows verbs such as act, work, campaign, or bargain. It implies unfair secrecy, not just keeping your voice low or staying out of sight.
常見錯誤
2. quietly and without drawing attention to yourself.
quietly and without drawing attention to yourself.
The stage manager moved underhand behind the curtain during the long speech.
move underhand to avoid attention
Workers entered underhand through the rear gate before sunrise.
Ada slipped underhand into the back row and sat beside her aunt.
The guard watched underhand from the shadow of the stairwell.
- quietly
can describe sound as well as manner, so it is broader
- unobtrusively
very close in meaning, though more modern and explicit
- discreetly
often suggests careful judgment, not just low visibility
- conspicuously
in a way that attracts attention
- openly
in a visible, noticeable manner
文法句型
move/enter/slip + underhand
用法筆記
This rare sense is used for staying unnoticed rather than for cheating someone. It often appears with verbs of movement or observation in formal writing.
常見錯誤
3. by using a low arm swing from below the shoulder when throwing, passing, or serv
by using a low arm swing from below the shoulder when throwing, passing, or serving.
Valentina tossed underhand and landed the beanbag inside the hoop.
toss underhand in a game action
The coach told Andrés to pass underhand near the short net.
In gym class, the children rolled back, then threw underhand.
Trang served underhand because her shoulder still felt weak.
- underarm
the closest sports term for the same kind of low release
文法句型
throw/toss/pass/serve + underhand
用法筆記
Used mainly after verbs such as throw, toss, pass, or serve in sports and games. Unlike adjective/2, this sense modifies the action itself rather than the noun for that action.