off the table
Not an option
Off the table means no longer available for consideration or discussion.
The metaphor treats negotiation as a table where options are placed; removing something means withdrawing it: The salary increase is off the table, Taking military action is off the table for now.
The opposite is on the table—still available, still being considered.
- out of boundsBeyond permitted limits
- omittedLeft out intentionally
- rejectedRefused or turned away
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- shelvedDeferred or stored away
ruled out · vetoed · shot down · unavailable · excluded · rescinded · beyond reach · taken away · declined · nixed · dead in the water · inaccessible · dismissed · abolished · deleted · off-limits · out of the running · postponed
off the tableon the table
Up for discussion
in play · up for discussion · on offer · available · in the running
off the tableon the table
Up for discussion
on offer · proposed · extended · put forward · tabled
table, tables, tabled, tabling, tabular, tabulate, tabulation, tableau, tableaux