The episode gives a useful U.S.–U.K. contrast: in U.S. legislative usage, “table a proposal” usually means set it aside, while the British parliamentary sense is to put it forward for discussion. It also explains expressions for reversing an advantage, contributing something useful, and a secret or improper arrangement.

Cultural note: Because “table a proposal” can mean opposite things in U.S. and U.K. contexts, confirm what the speaker intends in international meetings. “Under the table” can imply illegal or dishonest activity; use it only when the evidence supports that description.

Keep exploringThe same proposal can be “tabled” for opposite reasons in different English-speaking settings—check the dialect before acting.

Phrase guide · 4 expressions

Explore the expressions

Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.

A dialect difference

Notice a U.S.–U.K. contrast that can reverse the intended action.

Recognition caution

table a proposal

Meaning

In U.S. legislative usage, postpone or set a proposal aside; in British parliamentary usage, present it for discussion.

Tone & use

A high-risk dialect difference because the meanings can be opposite. State the action plainly—“postpone” or “put it forward”—when clarity matters.

Example

“Before the international committee meeting, the chair clarified whether “table the proposal” meant postpone it or discuss it.”

NeutralFormal / procedural

Meanings differ between U.S. and British usage. Confirm intent rather than relying on the expression alone.

Changing the situation

Describe a reversal in who has the advantage.

turn the tables

Meaning

Change a situation so that someone who had the advantage is now at a disadvantage, or vice versa.

Tone & use

Often used in competition, disagreement, or negotiation. It does not necessarily mean the new situation is fair.

Example

“The smaller supplier turned the tables by offering a delivery schedule the larger company could not match.”

NeutralInformal / idiomatic

Contributions and transparency

Talk about what people contribute and whether dealings are open.

bring something to the table

Meaning

Contribute a useful skill, resource, idea, or quality to a group or situation.

Tone & use

Common in work and collaboration. Name the contribution instead of using the phrase if you want to be specific.

Example

“She brings careful research and a calm way of resolving disagreements to the project.”

PositiveNeutral / idiomatic

under the table

Meaning

Done secretly or unofficially, especially a payment that avoids required rules or taxes.

Tone & use

Often implies illegal or dishonest activity. Do not use it for a private but lawful arrangement without evidence.

Example

“The inspector rejected the offer of an under-the-table payment and documented the conversation.”

NegativeInformal / idiomatic

Knowledge check

Try it

Choose the expression that best fits each situation.

Try it · Choose the best expression

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An international meeting uses “table the motion,” but participants disagree about whether it means discuss it or postpone it. What should the chair do?