PhrasesHub

Bring to the table

    Definitions

      • contribute something valuable
        Bring or offer something of value, such as skills, expertise, or resources, to a situation or discussion

      • negotiation
        Present or offer something in a negotiation or discussion, typically in order to reach an agreement or compromise

      • importance
        Highlight or emphasize the significance or importance of something, often in a competitive or comparative context

    Examples of Bring to the table

    • In order to contribute to the discussion, Sarah made sure to bring her expertise to the table during the meeting.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's ability to contribute valuable ideas or resources to a group or discussion. It implies that the person is bringing something of value to the table, just as a host might bring food to a dinner table for guests to enjoy.

    • The new marketing campaign failed to bring anything new to the table, leaving the company struggling to find a solution.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to criticize something for lacking innovation or originality. By saying that the campaign failed to bring anything new to the table, the speaker is implying that it did not offer any fresh ideas or perspectives that could help the company succeed.

    • In order to make a decision, the CEO brought all the relevant information to the table and weighed the pros and cons carefully.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a thorough and thoughtful decision-making process. By saying that the CEO brought all the relevant information to the table, the speaker is implying that she considered all the important factors before making a decision.

    • During the job interview, the candidate brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the table, making a strong impression on the hiring manager.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's positive and engaging personality. By saying that the candidate brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the table, the speaker is implying that she was lively, enthusiastic, and engaging during the interview.

    • The new product failed to bring any significant benefits to the table, leaving the company disappointed and frustrated.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a product's lack of value or usefulness. By saying that the product failed to bring any significant benefits to the table, the speaker is implying that it did not offer any meaningful advantages to the company or its customers.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bring to the table" has several meanings, all centered around the idea of contributing or offering something valuable. This can range from skills and expertise to resources and ideas. It can also refer to presenting something in a negotiation or emphasizing the importance of something.

    In the first usage, the intention is to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task. By advising against it and cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit, the speaker is trying to dissuade the listener from pursuing that course of action.

    In the second usage, the idiom is used in negotiations or discussions. By bringing something to the table, the speaker is offering something of value in order to reach an agreement or compromise. It could be a concession, a new idea, or a different perspective that can help move the discussion forward.

    Lastly, the idiom can also be used to highlight or emphasize the importance of something. This is often seen in a competitive or comparative context, where one party is showcasing their strengths or advantages. By bringing something to the table, they are making it clear that they have something valuable to offer.

    Origin of "Bring to the table"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the practice of bringing food to the table during a meal. In a literal sense, it signifies contributing to the meal and sharing in the sustenance. Over time, this phrase evolved to also represent the idea of bringing something valuable to a discussion or negotiation.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the game of poker. In this game, players bring their chips to the table in order to participate and compete. This concept of bringing something to the table in order to be a part of something may have influenced the use of the idiom in other contexts.

    Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "bring to the table" has become a common expression in the English language, used to convey the idea of contributing something valuable in various situations.