on the table

1. Up for discussion, as in There are two new proposals on the table . [Mid-1600s]

2. Postponed or put aside for later consideration, as in When they adjourned, three items were put on the table until the next meeting . [First half of 1700s] The table in both idioms is a figurative conference table. Also see lay one's cards on the table .

Example Sentences

The challenges of government are nothing compared to the challenge of putting food on the table and getting a roof over our head when I brought up kids working as a home help.

From BBC

Netanyahu said at the time that he had agreed to "suspend" the plans but that they remained "on the table".

From BBC

"Laid everything on the table. Looked at how and why you got there, and how are you going to rebuild yourself? How are you going to make sure it doesn't happen again?"

From BBC

However, the 20-year-old was already in advanced negotiations with RB Leipzig and chose them, with an offer of a more important squad role on the table.

From BBC

“If the doctor’s visit competes with food on the table or rent, then people are going to skip those primary care visits,” she said — and often “end up in the emergency room” instead.

From Los Angeles Times