falling under the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling under the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has collapsed or is no longer functioning, often in a figurative sense, such as in discussions about issues being overlooked or ignored. Example: "After the intense debate, many important points were falling under the table, forgotten amidst the chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Russia, I've seen people falling under the table plenty of times — they drink differently over there — and if they took a few of these pills they were able to get up and walk around, and maybe have a couple more drinks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His pianist Vincenzo Scalera let more than a few notes fall under the table but otherwise served the singer well.

The New York Times

Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in girls than boys (47.0% versus 19.4%; p < 0.001), with less than 3% of the entire cohort achieving desirable vitamin D levels and majority falling under the vitamin D insufficient category (Table  2).

BMC Pediatrics

He shot them!' " One victim fell under the pool table and another beside a juke box as the gunman walked out.

The New York Times

All the samples are falling under the suitable category based on the Na % (Table 3).

Applied Water Science

Participant statements not falling under the above definition were not considered as definitions of errors (Table 1).

BMC Medical Ethics

The WWF Ecoregion map is the best performing map showing 46.6% of specimens falling under SDTF (Table 3).

BMC Ecology

Under-the-table hush money.

The New York Times

Under-the-table payments are commonplace.

The Economist

Taste everything you can, even if it makes your parents faint and fall under the table.

Huffington Post

A contact is considered undesirable, if the distance between the respective atoms falls under the threshold given in the table on the left.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "falling under the table" figuratively, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, such as being overlooked or failing to meet expectations. Providing context is key.

Common error

Avoid using "falling under the table" in formal writing without clear contextual cues. Over-reliance on idiomatic expressions may confuse readers unfamiliar with the specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling under the table" functions as a compound verb phrase. It describes an action or state of being, often indicating a physical movement downwards or, figuratively, a state of being overlooked or forgotten. Ludwig provides examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Falling under the table" is a versatile phrase with both literal and figurative meanings. Grammatically correct and commonly used, it describes either a physical descent or, more abstractly, something being overlooked or neglected. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is found across news, scientific, and general contexts. While its neutral tone makes it generally acceptable, more formal settings may benefit from more precise language. Remember to always ensure clarity of context when using this idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succumbing to the influence of

Indicates being strongly affected or controlled by something, shifting the focus from a physical fall to an abstract influence.

being categorized within

Focuses on classification, altering the physical sense to a logical grouping.

declining into a state of

Emphasizes a gradual descent or deterioration, changing the sudden action of falling to a progressive decline.

slipping into the realm of

Suggests a gradual and often unnoticed entry into a particular condition or category.

experiencing a downturn towards

Highlights a negative trend or decline, replacing the physical fall with an economic or qualitative decrease.

descending into the depths of

Implies a downward movement into a more profound or intense state.

being subjected to

Shifts the focus to being affected by an external force or influence, rather than a self-initiated fall.

yielding to the effects of

Highlights the act of giving way to an influence, changing the instantaneous fall to a process of surrender.

collapsing beneath the weight of

Emphasizes the pressure or burden causing the fall, adding a layer of causation that the original phrase may not explicitly convey.

deteriorating under the impact of

Focuses on the process of worsening or degrading due to a specific cause, shifting the emphasis from a single event to a continuous process.

FAQs

What does "falling under the table" mean in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "falling under the table" can mean something is being overlooked, ignored, or failing to meet expectations. The literal image suggests something has dropped out of sight or out of consideration.

How can I use "falling under the table" in a sentence?

Example: "After the budget cuts, many essential projects were "falling under the table", with no funding available."

What are some alternatives to "falling under the table" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "being overlooked", "slipping through the cracks", or "being ignored" as alternatives to "falling under the table".

Is "falling under the table" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "falling under the table" might be considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more precise and direct alternatives such as "being neglected" or "being disregarded". In case, see the examples provided by Ludwig AI.