On the table Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈteɪbəɫ

AWN thuh TAY-buhl

UK

ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /tˈeɪbəl

ON thuh TAY-buhl

Definition

'On the table' means that something is physically placed on top of a table. It can also mean that an idea, option, or proposal is available for discussion or consideration.

Usage & Nuances

Used both literally and figuratively. In business or negotiation, 'on the table' means something is open for discussion. Don't confuse with 'under the table' (which means secret or unofficial). Common in formal and informal contexts.

• Spanish: sobre la mesa - en la mesa
• Portuguese (BR): em cima da mesa - sobre a mesa
• Portuguese (PT): em cima da mesa - sobre a mesa
• Chinese (Simplified): 在桌子上
• Chinese (Traditional): 在桌子上
• Hindi: मेज़ पर
• Arabic: على الطاولة
• Bengali: টেবিলের উপর - আলোচনার জন্য প্রস্তাব
• Russian: на столе - на рассмотрении
• Japanese: テーブルの上 - 検討中（提案など）
• Vietnamese: trên bàn - đang được xem xét
• Korean: 테이블 위에 - 논의 중
• Turkish: masada - gündemde
• Urdu: میز پر - زیر غور (تجویز)
• Indonesian: di atas meja - sedang dipertimbangkan

Example Sentences

The book is on the table.

basic

Please put your keys on the table.

basic

There is a cake on the table.

basic

The offer is still on the table if you change your mind.

natural

Let’s put all our ideas on the table and discuss them.

natural

Is that option still on the table, or has it been rejected?

natural