Still on the table 💧🍽️

Meaning

A proposal or suggestion is still being considered and has not been rejected or finalized.

Origin

Imagine a bustling medieval banquet hall, a long wooden table laden with platters, and advisors debating important matters. After a heated discussion, a proposal might be set aside, literally resting on the table, to be revisited later. This image of a plan or idea physically present but not yet decided upon became the fertile ground for the phrase. It perfectly captures the essence of something being available for discussion, negotiation, or final judgment, a concept that has endured from those grand feasting halls to our modern conference rooms.

🗣️ communication

Still on the table represented with emoji💧🍽️

This playful arrangement of a water droplet and a dinner plate functions as a delightful visual riddle. It serves as a meditation on the subtle nuances of language, where the placement of a single drop upon a surface can imply that a proposal or idea, though seemingly settled, remains subject to further contemplation. Note how the simple juxtaposition challenges the viewer to look beyond the obvious and consider the deeper currents of ongoing discussion and consideration, reminding us that some matters are, quite literally, still on the table.

Examples

  • Don't worry, the idea for the new marketing campaign is still on the table for discussion.
  • Although we've explored other options, the original budget proposal is still on the table.
  • The suggestion to replace the office plant with a disco ball is still on the table, much to everyone's amusement.
  • My proposal to have a professional napper review our sleep products is still on the table, awaiting a final decision.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'still on the table' a formal or informal idiom?

'Still on the table' is generally considered an informal idiom, commonly used in casual conversation and business contexts. While widely understood, its figurative nature makes it less suitable for highly formal written communication where directness is paramount.

What's the opposite of the phrase 'still on the table'?

The opposite of 'still on the table' would be a proposal or idea that has been rejected, withdrawn, or finalized. Phrases like 'off the table,' 'rejected,' 'closed,' or 'decided' convey this opposite meaning.

Can 'still on the table' refer to physical objects?

While the origin of 'still on the table' relates to items physically present for consideration, the phrase is almost exclusively used metaphorically today. It signifies an idea or proposal being open for discussion, not an actual object resting on a surface.

Does 'still on the table' imply a positive or negative outcome?

The phrase 'still on the table' is neutral and doesn't imply a positive or negative outcome; it simply states that a decision has not yet been made. The proposal remains a possibility, whether good or bad, until a conclusion is reached.

Similar to "still on the table"

Still in play
Both phrases signal that a proposal or idea hasn't been put to rest, but 'still in play' carries a more active, dynamic energy, like a game that's ongoing rather than just sitting on a surface
On the back burner
This captures the 'not yet decided' aspect, but places the idea in a state of reduced importance or priority, unlike 'still on the table' which suggests active consideration
Under advisement
While 'still on the table' is a common, everyday idiom, 'under advisement' elevates the process to a more formal, official level of deliberation

Opposite of "still on the table"

Off the table
This definitively declares that a proposal is no longer up for discussion or consideration, directly countering the openness implied by 'still on the table'
Dead in the water
Instead of waiting for a decision, this phrase asserts that the proposal has completely failed and has no chance of moving forward, a stark contrast to something that's 'still on the table'
Decision made
This directly contests the notion of ongoing deliberation, stating that the critical step of making a choice has already occurred, rendering 'still on the table' moot

Related to "still on the table"

A long shot
This phrase often enters the conversation when discussing something 'still on the table', highlighting that while it's being considered, its chances of success are slim
In limbo
When a decision is prolonged, something 'still on the table' may find itself 'in limbo', stuck in a state of suspense and uncertainty about its future
Leave it open
This is often the direct instruction or intention behind keeping something 'still on the table', aiming to maintain options rather than closing doors prematurely
No dice
This phrase typically follows a proposal that was once 'on the table' but has now been rejected, marking the end of its consideration