fallen off the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fallen off the table" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an object that has accidentally dropped or fallen from a table. For example: "I accidentally knocked my coffee mug and it fell off the table, spilling hot coffee all over the floor." "The vase has fallen off the table and shattered into pieces." "It looks like your phone has fallen off the table and cracked the screen." Note: This phrase is also commonly used in informal spoken English.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And here are two others that have fallen off the table: climate change.

The New York Times

American officials cautioned, however, that it was too soon to say much had definitely fallen off the table.

The New York Times

Keith Collins, the department's chief economist, said biotech acres "look like they're down a little bit, but they haven't fallen off the table".

The New York Times

Paradoxically, opponents of the project are, at least in theory, supporters of mixed-use development, one of the original plan's fundamental characteristics even if that fact seems to have fallen off the table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tax revenues fell off the table.

The New York Times

The fire truck fell off the table for the fifth year in a row.

The New York Times

"After a fairly benign spring, we just fell off the table," he said.

The New York Times

Then at the end of the '80s, when the market fell off the table, I fell off with it.

The New York Times

His curveball was really hard, his slider was good, his split was falling off the table, fastball's dancing everywhere — that's him".

The New York Times - Sports

His trademark sinker was on tonight -- Mets right fielder Bell said it was "falling off the table" -- and all of Hampton's final 21 outs came from grounders or strike outs.

The New York Times - Sports

By contrast, Mr. Ferrer, the Bronx borough president, did not outline a specific proposal for rebuilding; he argued that even as the city deals with reconstruction and security, it should not allow issues like education, health and housing to "fall off the table".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fallen off the table", ensure the context clearly indicates that something was previously considered important or a priority but is no longer so.

Common error

Avoid using "fallen off the table" in literal contexts (e.g., physically dropping something from a table). This idiom is best suited for figurative uses, where it describes a decline in importance or attention.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fallen off the table" is to act as an idiomatic verb phrase. It typically functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject has lost importance or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically sound phrase used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fallen off the table" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe something that has lost importance or priority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in written English, particularly in news, media, and general communication. The expression functions as a verb phrase and serves to communicate a shift in focus or attention. While not overly formal, it's a useful and concise way to indicate that something once significant is no longer being actively considered. Remember to use it figuratively, rather than literally, to describe a decline in importance. Alternative phrases such as "been sidelined" or "dropped from consideration" can provide similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dropped from consideration

This alternative indicates that something was once considered but is no longer being thought about.

been sidelined

This alternative implies that something has been moved to the side and is no longer the main focus.

become a low priority

This alternative clearly states that something is no longer considered urgent or essential.

been forgotten

This alternative directly states that something is no longer remembered or considered.

lost importance

This alternative signifies a reduction in significance or priority.

become irrelevant

This alternative suggests that something is no longer important or applicable.

been disregarded

This alternative suggests that something has been ignored or dismissed.

ceased to be a concern

This alternative indicates that something is no longer causing worry or attention.

been neglected

This alternative implies a lack of attention or care, leading to something being overlooked.

faded into the background

This alternative suggests something is no longer prominent or noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "fallen off the table" in a sentence?

You can use "fallen off the table" to indicate that something, like a topic or an issue, has lost importance or is no longer being considered. For example, "Since the economic crisis, environmental concerns have "fallen off the table"".

What does it mean when something has "fallen off the table"?

It means that something has lost priority or importance. It suggests that the issue, idea, or object is no longer being actively considered or addressed.

Which is a more formal alternative to "fallen off the table"?

A more formal alternative could be "dropped from consideration" or "relegated to a lower priority". These phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "fallen off the radar" and "fallen off the table"?

"Fallen off the radar" generally implies something is no longer being tracked or monitored, while "fallen off the table" suggests it is no longer being considered or prioritized. The former is about awareness; the latter is about importance.