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dario commented on the word to table a question
to just say what you want to say
April 30, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
I had thought this meant to "put the question aside for now"? Not really sure though.
April 30, 2010
oroboros commented on the word to table a question
I'm with thtownse. "Let's table it" is to "put it on the back burner". Table is an autoantonym: table an offer (present it) v. table, withdraw.
Cf., beg the question.
May 1, 2010
bilby commented on the word to table a question
Never heard it. I've heard of tabling documents, reports, etc. that is putting them before a parliament, commission or some such, but tabling questions ... ?
May 1, 2010
sionnach commented on the word to table a question
I agree with oroboros and thtownse - to table something is to agree to postpone dealing with it.
May 1, 2010
milosrdenstvi commented on the word to table a question
I think the autoantonym comes more strongly in the idiomatic expression "put something on the table" -- that phrase can equally mean present new information or laying old information aside.
May 1, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
I suggest we table this question. That way, those who interpret it to mean putting it aside can refrain from further comment for now, while those who see it the other way can continue the debate.
May 4, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
Putting something on the table always meant, to me, to bring it forward for discussion or examination. Tabling a question is a parliamentary/congressional thing to do, and it means putting it on a table for later discussion. If it helps, think of it as a side table.
Perhaps we should change the idiom to "nightstanding the question."
It would make congressional debates more titillating, anyhow.
May 4, 2010
yarb commented on the word to table a question
Bilby and cb are right. To table a question is to put it out there (on the table) and invite discussion. Used in parliament and in other formal meetings.
May 5, 2010
fbharjo commented on the word to table a question
...Or temporarily pulling the chair (Chairperson's immediate support) out from underneath it.
May 5, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
Umbrage, etc. I was trying to say that "putting something on the table" is NOT the same thing as "tabling" it. The first implies immediate discussion; the second, delayed until a later time. Sorry I wasn't more clear. I was eating Cheddar Lit'l Smokies and typing with my mouth full.
May 5, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
According to http://www.parlipro.org/table.htm, one could interpret it both ways. To place a question on the table means to introduce it for debate, but not necessarily immediately. However when it is on the table it must be debated at some point during the session.
May 5, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
Mmfn. *chewing*
May 5, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
CB, according to the timestamps, you have been gnoshing on Lit'l Smokies for almost two hours. How many packages do you have? Don't forget to drink some water too.
May 5, 2010
yarb commented on the word to table a question
It must be some sort of competitive eating.
May 5, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
No, no. I just chew very thoroughly.
May 6, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
To save time cb you should try new "Strained Lit'l Smokies" - they are packaged like a juice box, each with its own straw.
May 6, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
Mmm. And, they'll fit in those little covers that prevent kids from squeezing juice boxes and spilling "Lit'l Smokies" all over the place.
May 6, 2010
thtownse commented on the word to table a question
There's a squeeze-resistant cover?! That changes the whole juice-box equation.
May 6, 2010
plethora commented on the word to table a question
Those covers just take all the fun out of the fruit box experience.
May 7, 2010
bilby commented on the word to table a question
Well, yes, better not. Old fruit boxers end up punch drunk.
May 7, 2010
chained_bear commented on the word to table a question
Well, I should have clarified: they're for very little kids. The ones who would cry to find their juice boxes are empty because they didn't realize not to squeeze them. Once you are old enough to realize what you're doing, why... then it's fun.
May 7, 2010
wmhumphrey commented on the word to table a question
To "table a question" means to end debate on it (e.g., to end all discussion).
August 11, 2010
bilby commented on the word to table a question
Scroll down, humpers.
August 11, 2010
yarb commented on the word to table a question
That's the wrongest thing I've heard all day!
August 11, 2010