on the table

/ɑn ðə ˈteɪbəl/

/ɒn ðə ˈteɪbəl/

When something is on the table, it's an option, especially one that could be negotiated. If someone offers you a job but you haven’t said yes or no yet, the offer is still on the table.

When two people negotiate something — like a contract — they often do it over a table. When something is on the table, it's up for discussion. If an employer and a union are willing to discuss pensions, then pensions are on the table. If one side won't budge on something, then that topic is off the table.

Definitions of on the table

1. adjective

   able to be negotiated or arranged by compromise
   “the proposal is still on the table”

   synonyms: negotiable

   flexible

   capable of being changed