collapse under the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapse under the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone losing consciousness or becoming incapacitated, often due to intoxication or exhaustion, in a humorous or dramatic context. Example: "After a long night of partying, he finally collapsed under the table, much to the amusement of his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under-the-table hush money.

The New York Times

Under-the-table payments are commonplace.

The Economist

The whole time, Inky was collapsed on the table in front of me, moaning in pain.

Huffington Post

My body collapses backward onto the table.

The New York Times - Health

Dr. Janice Henderson, an obstetrician for high-risk pregnancies at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, described a recent meeting where doctors worried that the delivery room table might collapse under the weight of an obese patient.

The New York Times

Generally the experience has been that when a building collapses, and the roof falls on a table and you are sitting under the table you might survive.

The New York Times

Under the table.

The New Yorker

Kicks me under the table.

The New Yorker

Moriarity dived under the table.

The New Yorker

From under the table, obviously".

The Guardian - Sport

"I kick her under the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapse under the table" to vividly describe a sudden loss of composure or consciousness, often from exhaustion or intoxication, and most effectively in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "collapse under the table" when referring to an actual physical collapse of a table; this phrase is almost exclusively used figuratively to describe a person's condition. If you're describing structural failure, be literal about the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapse under the table" primarily functions as a vivid descriptive phrase. It creates a mental image of someone succumbing to a state of incapacity, be it physical or emotional, to the point of being prone under a table.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collapse under the table" is a prepositional phrase that vividly describes a state of incapacitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. While appropriate for narrative or descriptive writing, it's less suitable for formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "pass out under the table" or "faint under the table" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass out under the table

Replaces "collapse" with "pass out", specifically implying a loss of consciousness.

fall unconscious under the table

Replaces "collapse" with the more descriptive "fall unconscious".

succumb under the table

Emphasizes yielding to some overwhelming force or condition.

faint under the table

Specifically suggests a sudden loss of consciousness due to physical or emotional stress.

black out under the table

Implies a temporary loss of memory or consciousness.

slump under the table

Suggests a gradual and heavy descent.

crumple under the table

Conveys a rapid and disorganized collapse.

give way under the table

Implies a failure to support oneself, leading to a collapse.

cave in under the table

Suggests a sudden and dramatic collapse inward.

lose consciousness under the table

More clinical and direct way of saying collapse due to health reasons.

FAQs

What does it mean to "collapse under the table"?

To "collapse under the table" typically means to lose consciousness or become incapacitated, often due to exhaustion, intoxication, or extreme emotional distress, in a manner that results in the person ending up under a table.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "collapse under the table"?

It's appropriate to use "collapse under the table" when you want to vividly describe someone's sudden loss of physical or emotional control, particularly in narrative writing where you're aiming to create a dramatic or humorous effect. However, take extra care in determining if it is appropriate for more serious contexts.

What can I say instead of "collapse under the table"?

You can use alternatives like "pass out under the table", "fall unconscious under the table", or "faint under the table" depending on the context.

Is "collapse under the table" a formal or informal expression?

"Collapse under the table" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversation, creative writing, or less formal contexts. It may not be appropriate for formal academic or professional writing.