table (redirected from tables)

bring someone to the [bargaining/peace etc.] table

to persuade a person or a country to join discussions in order to find a solution to a problem. We hope to be able to bring the warring factions to the negotiating table to try to end this conflict.

See also: bargain, bring, peace

a coffee table book

a large, expensive book with a lot of pictures, that is often kept on a table for people to look at. A glossy coffee table book of his art work will be published next year.

See also: book, coffee

come to the [bargaining/peace etc.] table

bring someone to the [bargaining/peace etc.] table - to persuade a person or a country to join discussions in order to find a solution to a problem. You have to be prepared to make concessions when you come to the bargaining table.

See also: bargain, come, peace

drink someone under the table (informal)

if you can drink someone under the table, you can drink a lot more alcohol than they can. I like a few beers but Mel can drink me under the table.

See also: drink

get your feet under the table (British)

to become familiar with and confident in a new job or situation. It's better to wait until you've got your feet firmly under the table before you make any big changes.

See also: feet

lay/put your cards on the table

to tell someone honestly what you think or what you plan to do. I'll put my cards on the table: I don't like the way you've been behaving. She thought it was time to put her cards on the table and tell him that she had no intention of marrying him.

See also: card, lay

on the table

1. if a plan or offer is on the table, it has been officially suggested and is now being discussed or thought about. The offer on the table is an 8% increase on last year's wages. At 6 p.m. on Thursday 29 April, a new deal was put on the table.

2. if a plan is on the table, no one is dealing with it at present but it has not been completely forgotten. The committee agreed to leave the option to build a stadium in the city on the table.

The tables are turned.

turn the tables on someone - to change a situation so that you now have an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you. In the past it was always Dan who was having affairs while Lucy stuck by him. Now the tables are turned.

See also: turn

turn the tables on someone

to change a situation so that you now have an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you. She turned the tables on her rival with allegations of corruption.

See also: turn

under the table (American & Australian)

money that is paid under the table is paid secretly, usually because it is illegal. A lot of these people work 80-hour weeks with all or half of their salaries paid under the table.

under-the-table (American)

under the table - money that is paid under the table is paid secretly, usually because it is illegal. There have been allegations of under-the-table payments to football players.

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bring something to the table

to provide something that will be a benefit. Our partners brought useful skills to the table. You have to bring definite suggestions to the table.

See also: bring

come to the table

to meet to discuss how to solve a problem or end a disagreement. Carlson urged them to come to the table to resolve the issue.

Usage notes: also used in the form come back to the table to continue discussions that had stopped: The strikers decided to come back to the table.

See also: come

on the table

being discussed or considered. I'd like to put another idea on the table to see what you think.

put (all) your cards on the table

to truthfully explain what you know or think. I could only put my cards on the table and say I don't know what happened to this child.

See also: card

set the table

to put dishes, knives, forks, and spoons on a table before a meal. You make the salad and I'll set the table.

See also: set

turn the tables (on someone/something)

to change a situation so that someone's position is the opposite of what it was. She turned the tables by playing a better game and recently has won most of her matches. Hendricks turned the tables on the media when he borrowed a camera from a TV crew and started filming. Dan was always the one in trouble, but now the tables are turned and he's doing very well.

See also: turn

under the table

secretly and often illegally. A lot of these people work 80 hours a week, and they are paid under the table.

wait (on) tables

to serve meals to people in a restaurant. She earned the money for college by waiting tables.

See also: wait