leave on the table
The phrase "leave on the table" is often used to describe missed opportunities or unclaimed benefits, particularly in negotiations and decision-making.
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Definition
C1Decision-Making
Choosing not to pursue or address an option or opportunity that is available.
Example
- They left several viable solutions on the table during the meeting.
C1Business and Negotiations
(informal)Failing to take advantage of an opportunity or benefit that is available, often resulting in a missed gain.
Example
- By not asking for a higher salary, she left money on the table.
- The company left potential profits on the table by not expanding into new markets.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "leave on the table":
on the tableleave overat tableleave behindunder the tablerun the tableleave outtable scrapset the tablelay asidetake leavebe left at the posttable settingtea table