dive under a table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dive under a table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking shelter or protection, often in response to a sudden threat or danger. Example: "When the earthquake struck, everyone was advised to dive under a table for safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

My wife was at home, where she had dived under a table shouting out my son's name until the shaking stopped.

The New Yorker

DAVID O. CAMPBELL Tailgating and Family Time While rushing Delta Kappa Epsilon at Rutgers University in the late 1960's, David O. Campbell dived under a table to escape a food fight at lunch.

The New York Times

My mom says this all the time: 'The life you save might be your own.' " Cruz, who heard gunshots on several previous occasions while growing up in Paterson, N.J., simply shook his head when asked about the experience of partying one minute and diving under a table the next.

The New York Times - Sports

Grabbing his mother, he dove under a table as their windows blew in.

Huffington Post

If a player draws a 5, everyone must dive under the table.

WikiHow

We all know the drill: Dive under the table or go into an open field, turn off the gas.

The New York Times

And then you all dive under the table, but that was dumb, because how is being under the table going to help you as a freight train comes crashing through your shack?

The New Yorker

"He would start crying, wet himself and dive under the table every time he saw police at the school," she said.

Unicef

Gregory crawled under a table.

The New Yorker

If you can, get under a table.

The Economist

One woman is working under a table.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dive under a table" to vividly describe a sudden, reactive movement for protection, often in response to immediate danger like an earthquake or gunfire. The phrase implies a swift and somewhat desperate action.

Common error

Avoid using "dive under a table" for situations that don't involve a perceived threat or emergency. For example, it's inappropriate to say someone "dived under a table" to avoid a boring conversation; a more suitable phrase would be "slipped away from" or "excused themselves from".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dive under a table" functions as a descriptive verb phrase indicating an action taken for immediate protection. It vividly illustrates a rapid movement to seek shelter, aligning with scenarios depicted in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dive under a table" vividly describes a quick action taken to seek protection, often during emergencies like earthquakes or shootings. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, primarily within neutral contexts such as news reports and safety guidelines. While alternatives like "take cover under a table" or "duck under the table" exist, "dive under a table" specifically emphasizes a rapid, instinctive movement. Avoid using it in casual scenarios where no real danger is present to maintain its appropriate impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take cover under a table

Emphasizes seeking shelter, more general than a quick reaction.

duck under the table

Suggests a quick, less committed movement than diving.

hide under the table

Implies concealment and a longer duration than diving.

crawl under the table

Suggests a slower, more deliberate movement, possibly when already low to the ground.

get under the table

A more general way of saying to position oneself underneath the table.

take refuge under a table

Highlights the act of seeking safety or protection.

seek shelter under a table

Formal and emphasizes the protective aspect.

scramble under the table

Implies a rushed and unorganized movement to get under the table.

huddle under the table

Suggests gathering closely together for protection.

drop and cover under a table

Highlights the standard earthquake safety procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "dive under a table" in a sentence?

You can use "dive under a table" to describe a quick reaction to seek shelter. For example, "When the earthquake struck, she "dived under a table" for protection."

What's a more formal alternative to "dive under a table"?

A more formal alternative would be "seek shelter under a table". This phrase is less dramatic and more appropriate for official reports or guidelines.

Is "dive under a table" only used during earthquakes?

No, while it's commonly associated with earthquake safety, "dive under a table" can be used in any situation where someone quickly seeks cover under a table, such as during a shooting or explosion.

What is the difference between "duck under a table" and "dive under a table"?

"Duck under a table" implies a quicker, less dramatic movement, whereas "dive under a table" suggests a more forceful and urgent action.