off the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"off the table" is an idiomatic expression often used in written English.
It usually means that something is no longer an option or is not being considered. For example, "We had considered hiring a personal assistant, but in the end the idea was taken off the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

# Turn off the table verbosity.

Yale University

"Gamal is clearly off the table.

The New York Times

Tax revenues fell off the table.

The New York Times

"Nothing is being left off the table.

The New York Times

Winnick took some chips off the table.

Forbes

"I almost fell off the table, literally.

Huffington Post

There were nominations left off the table". .

Huffington Post

I wouldn't take it off the table.

Huffington Post

"They're off the table.

The New York Times

This is off the table.

The New York Times

Humiliation is off the table.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the table" to clearly and concisely indicate that a particular option or idea is no longer being considered. This is useful in negotiations, discussions, and strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "off the table" when you simply mean something is not currently a priority. The phrase implies a more definitive rejection, not just a temporary pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the table" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is no longer under consideration. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its common usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off the table" is a common idiom used to signify that something is no longer an option or is beyond consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. When writing, it’s important to use it accurately, ensuring you intend to convey a definitive rejection rather than a temporary pause in consideration. Alternatives like "out of the question" or "not an option" can be used for similar effect. Its presence in numerous authoritative sources highlights its acceptance and utility in both formal and informal communication. The high frequency of its usage underscores its importance in clearly expressing exclusion and finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the question

Indicates something is not allowed or possible, conveying a stronger sense of impossibility than "off the table".

not an option

A more direct and straightforward way of saying something is not being considered.

beyond consideration

Emphasizes that something has been thoroughly reviewed and dismissed.

ruled out

Implies a formal decision has been made to exclude something.

taken off the agenda

Specifically refers to removing something from a list of items to be discussed or acted upon.

no longer under consideration

A more formal and verbose way of saying something is not being considered.

abandoned

Suggests something was once considered but has now been given up.

dismissed

Implies a quick or abrupt rejection of an idea or proposal.

inadmissible

Indicates something is not acceptable or allowed, often in a legal or formal context.

out of contention

Suggests something is no longer a competitor or candidate.

FAQs

How to use "off the table" in a sentence?

The phrase "off the table" is used to indicate that something is no longer an option or is not being considered. For example, "Hiring additional staff is "out of the question" due to budget constraints."

What can I say instead of "off the table"?

You can use alternatives like "not an option", "beyond consideration", or "ruled out" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "off the table" and "on the table"?

"Off the table" means an option is no longer being considered, while "on the table" means it is still being considered and open for discussion. They are antonyms.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "off the table"?

It's appropriate to use "off the table" when you want to clearly communicate that a particular option has been definitively rejected and will not be revisited. It's useful in situations where clarity and closure are needed.