leave something on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"leave something on the table" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used when someone is trying to negotiate a deal and one of the parties does not agree on all the terms. For example, "We couldn't agree on all the terms, so we decided to leave something on the table for future negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Simonyi: If you leave something on the table, and then your worldview changes, now your wall becomes your floor.

MIT Technology Review

And how do you manipulate that scene to get what you want for your client, and to get it to the point of acceptance for both sides, and how to leave something on the table for the other side so when they walk away, they feel happy and that they've gotten what they want.

Harvard Business Review

Top women business leaders know better than to leave something on the table.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These results seem to suggest that Mr. Obama left something on the table.

The New York Times

"Obviously we didn't, and for that I and every other operative in Florida has a sick feeling that we left something on the table.

The New York Times

Robert D. Novak, the syndicated columnist who disclosed Plame's CIA job on July 14 , 2003 said in a brief interview that he had hoped to write about his role yesterday but could not because Fitzgerald "left something on the table.

The Washington Post

where your investors get value straightaway and the share price pops up, it proves you left something on the table for them," Ivan Glasenberg, head of Glencore, told The Wall Street Journal.

The New York Times

The reality is, if at any point along this path, if we would have stopped testing, we would've been leaving something on the table.

Huffington Post

If you don't continue testing your design and assumptions, you're leaving something on the table, either more knowledge, or better leads.

Huffington Post

The two sides should convene in the President's Room, at the table beneath the frescoes named "Legislation" and "Executive Authority," each prepared to leave something on it.

The New York Times

The first is to “leave something on the table for the other side” in business transactions because that will help to bring deals back to you in the ­future.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating, strategically use the phrase "leave something on the table" to signal willingness to compromise and foster a positive long-term relationship with the other party. It implies you're not trying to win at all costs, but rather seeking a mutually beneficial agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "leave something on the table" when the situation demands an assertive stance and complete acquisition. Misapplying it can signal weakness or lack of resolve, especially when aiming for maximum gain or protecting vital interests.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "leave something on the table" functions as a descriptor of a negotiation strategy. It signifies a deliberate decision not to pursue every possible advantage during a negotiation, aiming instead for a mutually acceptable outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave something on the table" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a negotiation tactic where one party doesn't push for every possible advantage, fostering a sense of mutual benefit and encouraging future collaboration. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in professional and news contexts. While related phrases like "concede ground" and "compromise on something" offer similar meanings, "leave something on the table" specifically emphasizes the strategic choice to not maximize immediate gains to ensure a positive long-term relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave money on the table

Specifically refers to not maximizing financial gains.

compromise on something

Focuses on making mutual concessions to reach an agreement.

concede ground

Focuses on giving up some points during a negotiation.

offer a concession

Highlights the act of providing something to reach an agreement.

give up some leverage

Highlights the act of reducing one's advantage in a negotiation.

lose out on potential gains

Highlights the potential for profit or benefit that was not realized.

give the other party something

Emphasizes providing a benefit to the opposing side.

settle for less

Indicates accepting a less favorable outcome than desired.

fail to exploit fully

Focuses on not taking full advantage of available resources or opportunities.

missed an opportunity

Emphasizes the loss of a chance to gain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "leave something on the table" to indicate a willingness to compromise during negotiations. For instance, "We decided to "leave something on the table" during this round of negotiations, ensuring future collaboration."

What does it mean to "leave something on the table" in negotiations?

In negotiations, to ""leave something on the table"" means to not push for every possible gain, allowing the other party to feel they've also achieved a favorable outcome. This can help build trust and facilitate future deals.

What can I say instead of "leave something on the table"?

You can use alternatives like "concede ground", "offer a concession", or "compromise on something" depending on the context.

Is it always a good strategy to "leave something on the table"?

While "leaving something on the table" can foster goodwill, it's not always the best approach. In situations where you have significant leverage or are unlikely to interact with the other party again, maximizing your gains might be more beneficial.