Search
Select the dictionary language
off the table
01
(of a proposal, topic, or offer) unavailable or incapable of being considered
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "off the table" and when to use it?
The idiom "off the table" is used to indicate that a particular option, plan, or proposal has been eliminated, excluded, or is no longer under consideration. While its exact origin is not documented, it likely stems from the idea of removing something from the table during a discussion, emphasizing that it is no longer on the list of possibilities.
Examples
After the argument, the idea of a raise was off the table.
The proposal is off the table now that we have a better option.
