What does underhand mean?
“Underhand” describes conduct that is furtive, deceptive, or intended to achieve a result without being discovered. It commonly carries the implication that the method is not fair or straightforward, as in “underhand tactics” or “an underhand attempt to gain an advantage.” In a more literal sense, particularly in baseball and similar sports, an underhand pitch or throw is made with the hand below shoulder level. The figurative use reflects the idea of acting in a concealed or indirect way. “Underhanded” is often preferred in general descriptive contexts, but “underhand” has a distinctive place in sports terminology and in expressions emphasizing secrecy, manipulation, or an attempt to gain an advantage unfairly.
Dishonest, furtive, or deceptive in manner or intention.
"The manager was accused of using underhand methods to secure the contract."
In an underhand, deceptive manner.
"The rival deliberately passed the information underhand to the opposing campaign."
A throw or pitch made with the hand below shoulder level.
"He practiced the underhand until he could control its speed and accuracy."
From a baseball pitch to a hidden agenda, “underhand” moves easily from the literal to the metaphorical.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does underhand come from?
The word is a compound of “under” and “hand,” literally referring to an action performed with the hand below shoulder level. Its metaphorical sense developed from the idea of doing something in a concealed or devious manner. The word is attested in English in the early modern period, and its modern figurative meaning became established alongside the more frequently used “underhanded.”
Related word forms
How underhand is actually used
In figurative use, “underhand” often implies that someone is being sly or deceptive rather than openly dishonest. The adjective “underhanded” is generally more common when describing a person, scheme, or method. In sports contexts, “underhand” refers specifically to a delivery made with the hand below shoulder level.
Easily confused with underhand
Both can describe secretive or deceptive behaviour, but “underhanded” is the more usual adjective for a person, plan, or method, whereas “underhand” is especially common in the sense of an underhand throw or pitch.