over the counter

Able to be obtained without a doctor's prescription.

Through direct trade; outside a standard stock exchange.

(figurative) Legitimately.

Of medicine and other treatments, legal for sale or distribution without the requirement of a prescription.

Involving direct interaction between two parties without an intermediary, and denoting any market where items such as stocks or currency are bought and sold by direct arrangement between counterparties, or through a private broker, rather than on a public stock exchange or other exchange.