on the table

1. 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 .

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

Example Sentences

Wasn't there something big about his simple cards-on-the-table wooing?

From Project Gutenberg

The "stein-on-the-table-and-a-good-song-ringing-clear" kind of man is out of date.

From Project Gutenberg