Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a secret and dishonest way: Acting in a manner that is intended to deceive or hide one's true intentions.
   • Slyly and secretly: Behaving or operating in a cunning, stealthy, and covert fashion.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • He underhandedly spread rumors to damage his colleague's reputation.
  • The deal was arranged underhandedly, without the knowledge of the other partners.
  • She underhandedly gained access to the confidential files.

Advanced Usage

• "to act underhandedly": to behave in a deceitful and covert manner.
  • The competitor acted underhandedly to sabotage the product launch.
• "to obtain something underhandedly": to acquire something through secretive and dishonest means.
  • The contract was obtained underhandedly, bypassing the official bidding process.

Variants and Related Words

• Underhand (adjective): Characterized by secrecy and deception.
  • He used underhand tactics to win the election.
• Underhandedness (noun): The quality of being deceitful and sly.
  • The underhandedness of the scheme was eventually uncovered.

Synonyms

• Deceitfully: In a manner intended to mislead.
• Slyly: In a cunning and stealthy way.
• Sneakily: In a furtive and secretive manner.
• Clandestinely: In a secret and often illegal way.

Antonyms

• Aboveboard: In an honest and open manner.
• Forthrightly: Directly and without evasion.
• Transparently: In a way that is easily seen or understood; openly.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Behind someone's back": Secretly and deceitfully, without someone's knowledge.
  • He made the decision underhandedly, completely behind his partner's back.
• "A stab in the back": A treacherous act of betrayal.
  • His underhandedly revealing company secrets was a real stab in the back.

Adverb

1. slyly and secretly
   • Mean revenge, committed underhand- John Donne
   • oldline aristocratic diplomats underhandedly undermined the attempt...to align Germany with the Western democracies- C.G.Bowers