keep it on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting to maintain a topic or issue for future discussion or consideration. Example: "Let's keep it on the table for now and revisit it during our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I have people tell me they keep it on the table just like ketchup.

The New York Times

"But if you're serious about forcing City Hall's hand, you have to keep it on the table.

The New York Times

"We should keep it on the table for the good reason that people are living longer," Mr. Lieberman said on "Meet the Press".

The New York Times

"That's an incentive to keep it on the table".

Huffington Post

So if Yellen doesn't strongly signal a rate hike is coming next month, she's likely to at least keep it on the table.

Los Angeles Times

Keep it on the table at all times.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While Potočnik refused to comment on whether Juncker and Timmermans had bowed to pressure from conservative trade association BusinessEurope, which had argued the package would inhibit competitiveness, Potočnik was blunt in his criticism: "They could have kept it on the table and improved on it and we would not have lost a year.

The Guardian

The pharaohs had a taste for cumin, as did the ancient Greeks, who kept it on the dinner table.

The New Yorker

And the bottle is especially pretty (in case you care to keep it on your dressing table).

The New York Times - Food

Keep it on a night table and learn to recognize dreams of probable significance while still in the dream.

WikiHow

You might just keep it on a dressing-table or shelf".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep it on the table" when you want to convey that a plan, idea, or suggestion should not be dismissed outright but rather remain open for further discussion and possible implementation at a later time.

Common error

Avoid interpreting "keep it on the table" literally. It does not refer to physically placing something on a table, but rather to maintaining a proposal or option for future consideration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep it on the table" is idiomatic expression. It functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something should be preserved for future consideration, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples where it's used in the context of discussions and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it on the table" is a common idiom signifying the act of preserving a proposal, idea, or option for future discussion and consideration. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings. Its purpose is to defer commitment while remaining open to future possibilities. Common errors involve literal interpretations, so it's crucial to understand its idiomatic meaning. Consider alternatives like "leave it open for discussion" or "table it for now" to fine-tune the message. In summary, the phrase suggests, 'Let's not discard this yet; let's revisit it later'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave it open for discussion

Indicates a willingness to continue discussing the topic at a later time.

table it for now

Suggests temporarily setting aside the topic, possibly for later reconsideration.

keep it under consideration

Emphasizes that the matter remains actively thought about, even if no decision has been made.

defer the decision

Highlights the act of postponing a final decision on the matter.

hold it in abeyance

Implies a temporary suspension of the matter, awaiting further action.

maintain it as an option

Focuses on preserving the possibility of choosing that course of action in the future.

keep it in the mix

Suggests including something among other possibilities.

put a pin in it

Informal way to postpone discussion for later.

shelve it temporarily

Implies the item is put away for future consideration.

park it for the moment

Informal, indicates a temporary pause in consideration.

FAQs

What does it mean to "keep it on the table"?

To "keep it on the table" means to keep a proposal, idea, or option open for future discussion or consideration. It suggests that the idea is not being rejected, but rather set aside for later review.

When should I use the phrase "keep it on the table"?

Use "keep it on the table" when you want to indicate that you are not dismissing an idea outright, but want to consider it further at a later time. This phrase is useful in negotiations, planning sessions, and strategic discussions.

What are some alternatives to "keep it on the table"?

You can use alternatives like "leave it open for discussion", "table it for now", or "keep it under consideration" depending on the context.

Is "keep it on the table" formal or informal?

The phrase "keep it on the table" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although it's more common in professional or business environments than in very casual conversations.