put everything on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put everything on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that all relevant information or issues should be openly discussed or considered in a conversation or negotiation. Example: "During the meeting, we decided to put everything on the table to ensure transparency and address all concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Put everything on the table.

The New York Times

"We put everything on the table to be here.

The New York Times

"We decided to put everything on the table," Rhodes said.

The New Yorker

They know they have to put everything on the table and make hard choices.

The New York Times

"He put everything on the table and I totally believed him," the owner said.

The Guardian - Sport

So put everything on the table and confront it and let's move on".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Then it does what any successful deficit reduction plan must do: It puts everything on the table, including tax reform to raise revenue and cuts in spending on health care and defense.

The New York Times

I can get past it, but what are you going to do to get past it?" It just puts everything on the table, and makes it so much easier to get your work done.

The New York Times

The labels know that it's in their interest to enable new services, and they do – but without putting everything on the table and saying 'take what you want'".

The Guardian - Music

A spokesman for Blackstone said it supported "comprehensive tax reform that puts everything on the table including a possible tax increase" as part of a broader tax package that manages, in its view, to simplify and improve the overall business tax landscape.

The New York Times

Jada Pinkett Smith is putting everything on the "Table".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the context supports a collaborative or problem-solving environment where open dialogue is encouraged.

Common error

Avoid using "put everything on the table" when the situation requires selective disclosure or confidentiality. This phrase implies complete openness, which may not always be appropriate or strategic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put everything on the table" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase that signifies complete transparency and open consideration of all relevant issues during a discussion or negotiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression suggests a willingness to address all aspects of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put everything on the table" is a common idiom that signifies a commitment to full transparency and open consideration of all relevant issues. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression encourages a collaborative environment where all aspects of a situation are addressed openly. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it also appears in formal business and scientific contexts, showcasing its versatility. While generally neutral in register, it may be less suited for highly formal settings. Alternatives include "lay all your cards on the table" and "make full disclosure". When using this phrase, ensure that complete openness aligns with the goals and context of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put all options on the table

A variation focusing specifically on available choices or alternatives.

lay all your cards on the table

Emphasizes honesty and openness in negotiations or discussions, similar to revealing all information.

open everything up for discussion

Highlights making something available for open debate and consideration.

bring everything into the open

Focuses on revealing previously hidden or private matters.

get everything out in the open

Highlights revealing previously hidden matters for everyone to know.

make full disclosure

Highlights the act of providing complete and transparent information.

table all considerations

A more formal version of the expression, suited for official or business context, but can be misinterpreted as 'removing' something.

consider all options

Focuses on exploring various possibilities and choices without necessarily disclosing all information.

address every issue

Focuses on tackling each problem or concern directly.

leave no stone unturned

Implies a thorough and exhaustive investigation or exploration.

FAQs

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

You can use "put everything on the table" to suggest that all issues and options should be discussed openly. For example, "During the budget negotiations, we decided to "put everything on the table" to find a fair solution."

What does "put everything on the table" mean?

The phrase "put everything on the table" means to be completely open and transparent in a discussion or negotiation, ensuring that all relevant information and options are considered.

What can I say instead of "put everything on the table"?

Alternatives to "put everything on the table" include "lay all your cards on the table", "consider all options", or "make full disclosure". These phrases convey a similar meaning of openness and transparency.

Is "put everything on the table" formal or informal?

"Put everything on the table" is generally considered to be a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but with slightly more appeal in informal contexts. However, when absolute formality is required, phrases such as "table all considerations" or "make full disclosure" might be more appropriate.