falls off the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falls off the table" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an object or item that has unintentionally fallen off a table. Here is an example: "As I walked by, the vase on the edge of the table suddenly falls off the table and shatters into pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"He throws a 94 mile-an-hour fastball and a split that falls off the table".

The New York Times - Sports

"If lightning strikes and something falls off the table, we think the lightning caused it.

The New York Times

If any coin falls off the table at any point during a player's turn, that turn ends.

Independent

If the coin falls off the table at any point during a player's turn, that turn ends.

Independent

He's pretty robust so you needn't worry if he falls off the table (he will) though a big bang may cause his head to pop off.

Independent

If a legally binding approach, including a round of post-2012 Kyoto commitments, falls off the table at Durban, most would see this as giving up on climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "falls off the table" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates a sudden and often unexpected removal or decline. For instance, "After the scandal, his career fell off the table" suggests a swift and irreversible downfall.

Common error

Avoid using "falls off the table" in contexts where a gradual decline is more appropriate. Phrases like "declines over time" or "gradually diminishes" might be more accurate if the reduction isn't abrupt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls off the table" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the physical action of something falling from a table. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show a wide usage from baseball pitches to general market conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falls off the table" is a grammatically sound expression with both literal and figurative applications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly and frequently in written English. Literally, it describes an object tumbling from a table. Figuratively, it indicates a sudden decline or removal, often unexpectedly. Predominantly found in news and media, its register remains neutral, rendering it suitable for diverse contexts. Whether describing a baseball pitch or a market downturn, "falls off the table" conveys a sense of abrupt departure. Alternative phrases, such as "drops from consideration" or "is removed from the agenda", offer similar meanings with subtle contextual differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drops from consideration

Indicates something is no longer being considered or discussed.

is no longer relevant

Signifies a loss of importance or applicability.

loses its significance

Emphasizes a decline in importance or value.

is removed from the agenda

Suggests a deliberate removal from a list of things to be done or discussed.

is eliminated from contention

Implies a removal from a competitive situation.

is taken out of the equation

Indicates something is no longer a factor in a calculation or situation.

is discarded

Means to be thrown away or rejected.

becomes obsolete

Indicates something is no longer useful or needed.

is no longer a priority

Suggests a shift in importance, where something is not as important as it once was.

fades into obscurity

Indicates a gradual disappearance or loss of prominence.

FAQs

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

You can use "falls off the table" to describe an item literally tumbling from a table, or metaphorically to indicate something being removed from consideration or declining rapidly. For example, "The negotiations "dropped from consideration" after the disagreement".

What does it mean when something "falls off the table" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "falls off the table" suggests a sudden and often unexpected removal or decline. It implies that something is no longer being considered, discussed, or given importance. It is similar to saying something "is no longer relevant".

What are some synonyms for "falls off the table"?

Synonyms include phrases like "drops from consideration", "is removed from the agenda", or "is no longer a priority", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "falls off the table" or "falls off of the table"?

"Falls off the table" is the more common and concise phrasing. While "falls off of the table" is grammatically correct, it is often considered redundant and less idiomatic.