keep on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone not remove an item from a table or surface, usually used in the imperative. For example, "Please keep the book on the table until I come back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

My job as CEO is to keep all the optionality on the table about what we do, but one optionality I wouldn't keep on the table is — we're going to be in the content business.

TechCrunch

But when discussing classic holiday foods with colleagues, I noticed that most of our families have at the very least one super shady dish, that we seem to only keep on the table for the sake of tradition.

Vice

So let us see, while we keep the conversation going, what we are able to keep on the table.

The New York Times

The worries over global growth threatened to overwhelm other global economic issues that Mexico, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of 20 this year, had hoped to keep on the table, like volatile international food prices.

The New York Times

But Armstrong added, "One optionality I wouldn't keep on the table is — we're going to be in the content business, we love the brands we have and if anything we'll probably add more and more heft to our content business over time".

TechCrunch

Not since Christmas when I walked with Ib have I sought the places we used to visit together, you and I. Our valley is very beautiful and I picked the very first bluebells for the vase I keep on the table for you, flowers for you.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But the former prime ministers have an absolute right to argue that the option should be kept on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Various options will need to be kept on the table and we just have to see how things go".

The Guardian - Opinion

As for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, he tweaked the mantra this way: "The military option must be kept on the table".

The New York Times

Yes, there is something between indictments and cruise missiles -- a middle ground of covert action and clandestine operations -- and these options should be kept on the table.

The New York Times

A non-relationship has locked itself in stereotypes as American threats ("the military option must be kept on the table") and demands (stop the centrifuges) meet a wall of Iranian pride.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep on the table" in professional writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to in order to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We should keep it on the table", specify "We should keep the proposal on the table".

Common error

Avoid using "keep on the table" as a delaying tactic without genuine consideration. Overusing this phrase can create an impression of indecisiveness or a lack of commitment, potentially undermining trust and progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep on the table" functions as an idiomatic expression, signifying the act of maintaining an option or proposal under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, emphasizing its role in suggesting continued deliberation rather than immediate rejection. Its function is supported by many examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep on the table" serves as a useful idiom for advocating the continued consideration of an option. Ludwig AI states the phrase is perfectly usable. It is found most commonly in news and media sources, where it describes options that are still under evaluation. Alternatives include "maintain as an option" or "leave open for consideration". When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. While advocating the careful assessment of options, avoid overusing "keep on the table" as a dilatory tactic, which can project indecisiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain as an option

Focuses on the act of actively maintaining something as a viable option.

leave open for consideration

Highlights the aspect of keeping something available for future deliberation.

retain as a possibility

Emphasizes the aspect of keeping something possible.

hold in reserve

Suggests keeping something available for future use if needed.

keep in contention

Focuses on the aspect of keeping something in the running or under consideration.

leave in play

Suggests that an idea or plan is still actively being considered.

not rule out

Focuses on the aspect of not eliminating something as a possibility.

preserve as a choice

Emphasizes the act of maintaining something as a potential selection.

keep alive

Focuses on actively keeping something from being forgotten or discarded.

not dismiss

Suggests something is being considered and not casually rejected.

FAQs

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

To "keep on the table" means to continue considering an option or idea; not to reject it or remove it from discussion. It suggests that something remains a possibility.

How can I use "keep on the table" in a sentence?

You can use "keep on the table" to suggest that an option should still be considered. For example: "We should "maintain as an option" the possibility of merging departments."

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

Alternatives include "leave open for consideration", "retain as a possibility", or "not rule out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep on the table"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest that a particular plan, idea, or option should continue to be considered and not dismissed, especially in discussions or negotiations.