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Glite Dictionary
underground mutton

underground mutton

9.9
Meat from sheep that people buy and sell secretly
  • noun
  • /ˈʌndərˌɡraʊnd ˈmʌtən/
  • UK
translation icon : carne de cordero clandestina
  • Locals whispered about secret feasts featuring underground mutton in remote villages.

Examples

  • I heard they serve underground mutton at that secret restaurant.

  • Have you ever tried underground mutton from the market?

  • I've never seen underground mutton on a restaurant menu before tonight.

  • The origins of underground mutton are the subject of many rumors among gourmets.

  • During our vacation, we stumbled upon a hidden pop-up event featuring underground mutton prepared by local chefs.

  • The chef proudly announced that the night’s special was underground mutton, sourced from secret suppliers.

  • At the gathering, food enthusiasts shared stories about their experiences with underground mutton and its unique preparation methods.

Surface Forms

underground mutton singular
underground muttons plural

Morphology

underground + mutton

The meaning 'mutton that is secretly or illicitly sourced' is directly derivable from combining 'underground' (hidden/clandestine) with 'mutton' (sheep meat). 'Underground' is commonly used to mark illicit or secret goods or activities (e.g. 'underground market'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer this intended meaning.

Etymology

Underground mutton may come from the image of cooks hiding real mutton under the earth to keep it safe from the law or outsiders, so the meat and the meal stayed secret. That's why underground mutton now means 'mutton that is secretly or illegally sourced'.