Most of my students seem to know the phrase "under the
table" and mostly correct when they use it. It got me thinking that there are quite a few
"under" expressions that they should know. So I have picked a few that I like.
Under pressure/Under the gun: These are both used in situations when there
is a lot of pressure on you to do something, complete something, or in the case
of sports, perform at a very critical time.
Under your breath:
When you say something (usually bad) but you don't want the person to
hear. Example: He swore under his breath
but the teacher heard him and sent him to the principal's office.
Under the wire: When
you complete something just in time. Example:
His project was due on Friday by 5:00.
He got it done just under the wire.
Under the radar: If
you try to do something without letting other people know, you are doing it
under the radar.
