put something on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put something on the table" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe the act of making a suggestion or offer in a negotiation. For example, "The CEO wanted to put more money on the table to seal the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The concept of compromise requires that both parties put something on the table.

The Economist

"I think they are waiting for us to put something on the table," he said.

The New York Times

Eventually you learn the hard way: you're going to need to put something on the table.

The Guardian - Music

We say, put something on the table to prove you are right".

The New York Times

You have to be able to let people put something on the table without actually pointing the finger.

The New York Times

It worked because the US and Iran understood that to move forward, both had to put something on the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The company is not required to provide any more information because "in general, people enter into due diligence when someone puts something on the table that looks like it should be recommended to shareholders, and Philip hasn't done that," she said.

The New York Times

He CAME TO THE TABLE, and LO, he put something ON THAT TABLE.

Huffington Post

Put something on a table, and it will stay there.

The New York Times

"By the time Sam was 11 or 12," she said, "if I put something on a table, he'd move it and say, 'It looks better here.' I had to tell him, 'Look, we're not doing this.' " Now that he's a professional designer, she added, he's become even more opinionated.

The New York Times

Conscious of preserving his status and wanting to put something specific on the table, Secretary Powell resisted the pleas, saying the time was not ripe, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put something on the table" in negotiations, be specific about what you are offering. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and hinder progress.

Common error

Avoid using "put something on the table" when you literally mean placing an object on a table. This idiom is reserved for figurative offers or contributions. For literal placements, use verbs like 'place', 'set', or 'lay'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put something on the table" functions as an idiomatic expression, meaning to present a proposal, suggestion, or offer for consideration. It is often used in discussions, negotiations, or debates to indicate a contribution to the matter at hand, as seen in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

The New York Times - Food

4%

The Guardian - Sport

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put something on the table" is a common idiomatic expression signifying the act of presenting a proposal or suggestion, mainly during negotiations or discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its relevance in both public discourse and professional settings. While versatile, it's important to avoid literal interpretations, reserving it for figurative offers. Alternatives include "make a proposal" or "bring to the table". Remember to be specific and clear when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring to the table

Highlights the act of introducing expertise or resources.

make a proposal

Focuses on the act of formally suggesting something for consideration.

present an offer

Highlights the act of providing something with the intention of it being accepted.

table a suggestion

Emphasizes formally introducing a suggestion for discussion.

offer a contribution

Focuses on giving something to help achieve a shared goal.

put forward an idea

Emphasizes the act of advancing a concept for consideration.

propose a solution

Highlights offering a resolution to a problem.

submit a plan

Focuses on presenting a structured proposal for approval.

lay out options

Emphasizes the presentation of different choices or alternatives.

advance an argument

Focuses on presenting reasons or evidence to support a point of view.

FAQs

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

Use "put something on the table" when you want to express offering an idea, suggestion, or concession during a discussion or negotiation. For instance, "During the meeting, she decided to "put something on the table" to break the deadlock".

What does it mean to "bring something to the table"?

To "bring something to the table" is similar to "put something on the table" but often refers to a skill, quality, or resource that someone contributes to a project or discussion. For example, "His experience in marketing is what he "brings to the table"".

Which is correct, "put something on the table" or "lay something on the table"?

"Put something on the table" is the more common and idiomatic expression when referring to making an offer or suggestion. "Lay something on the table" is less frequently used in this context and may sound less natural.

What's the difference between "putting everything on the table" and "leaving something on the table"?

"Putting everything on the table" means being completely open and transparent, disclosing all relevant information or offers. In contrast, "leaving something on the table" means not taking full advantage of an opportunity or not securing the best possible outcome. See also "put everything on the table".