on the table

Idioms  

1. Up for discussion, as in There are two new proposals on the table . [Mid-1600s]

2. Postponed or put aside for later consideration, as in When they adjourned, three items were put on the table until the next meeting . [First half of 1700s] The table in both idioms is a figurative conference table. Also see lay one's cards on the table .

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Example Sentences

I had so much built-up anxiety about facing my own numbers, but seeing my boyfriend lay his cards on the table gave me the courage to finally log in and look at mine.

From MarketWatch

I leaned forward, elbows on the table and chin resting on my hands.

From Literature

His eyes flutter open when I put his breakfast of dry toast and coffee on the table beside him.

From Literature

He set both teacups on the table and took his chair on the opposite side.

From Literature

"All he did was tear away that fragile veil in advance, placing the reality outside the room plainly on the table," one Xiaohongshu post read after his death.

From BBC