1
                           general:: 
                            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.
                        
                        
 
                        
                            American Heritage Idioms
                        
                        
                    
                    
                        2
                           general:: 
                            Phrase(s): on the table 
Fig. subject to discussion by the group; submitted as a point of discussion.  •  The chairman said we could not discuss salaries since the topic was no longer on the table.
                        
                        
 
                        
                            McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs