What it means
Shady, suspicious business going on behind the scenes, usually with a whiff of illegality or someone being bent. Think backhanders, under-the-table cash, dodgy contracts, or that mate who always says it’s all legit but won’t say how. You’ll hear it in the news, at work, or down the pub when something just doesn’t add up.
Usage examples
"That new car wash is open at midnight, blokes turning up in Range Rovers, cash only. Reckon there’s dodgy dealings going on, mate."
"There were some dodgy dealings going on at that car lot."
"He made his money through dodgy dealings, everyone knows it."
"Council says the numbers were all above board, but half the contracts went to the mayor's pals. Smells like dodgy dealings to me."
"Don't give me that 'it's just networking' chat. If envelopes are changing hands in the car park, that's dodgy dealings, full stop."
Where it comes from
Pairs dodgy, meaning shifty or suspect, with dealings, the deals people do. Together it names shady business done on the quiet, with a whiff of something bent.
