One app for all your study abroad needs
The idiom “Bring to the table” means to do something that will benefit others. If you bring something to the table, you make a contribution or an offer in a discussion or negotiation. attempt. The phrase “bring to the table” has its roots in gambling and refers to the initial wager that a player makes in a card game. Bringing “a lot” to the table signifies the possibility that your contribution will benefit everyone. In this blog, we will look at the idiom ‘Bring to the Table’ and understand its meaning, along with examples and synonyms.
This Blog Includes:
Bring to the Table Idiom: Origin and Usage
The phrase “bring to the table” is commonly used in the English language to mean contributing something of value, such as skills, ideas, or resources, to a discussion or project. Its origin is somewhat unclear, but it is generally understood to derive from the literal act of bringing food or items to a table for a meal or a gathering. In a metaphorical sense, “bringing something to the table” means offering something beneficial to a collective effort.
This usage has been prevalent in business, negotiations, and collaborative contexts where participants are expected to contribute their strengths and resources for a common goal.
9+ ‘Bring to the Table’ Idiom Examples
Take a look at some of the examples of the idiom ‘Bring to the Table’, which will help you in the formation of the sentences.
- Irene is a strong contender for the position because she brings a lot to the table in terms of experience.
- Knowing what you can bring to the table and what you want in return during a negotiation is crucial.
- The company is seeking someone who can bring new and innovative ideas to the table.
- Although I’m unsure of what I can bring to the table, I’m eager to participate.
- To be effective, the project team needs to bring a range of knowledge and abilities to the table.
- She presented a compelling argument that swayed the decision in our favour.
- The consultant delivered practical solutions to improve our workflow.
- He introduced an innovative approach that streamlined our processes.
- Her perspective added depth to our understanding of the issue.
Also Read: Break the Ice- Idiom
‘Bring to the Table’ Synonyms
There are many words that can be used in place of this idiom, so that it does not look repetitive. The synonyms for the Idiom Bring to the Table are:
- Come to someone’s rescue
- Contribute to
- Do someone a service
- Give someone a leg up
- Lend a hand to
- Offer
- Present
- Introduce
- Provide
- Supply
- Submit
- Deliver
- Add
- Put forward
Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings
Bring To The Table Quiz
Here we have designed a quiz for this idiom, ‘Bring to the Table’, to make it easier for you to practice it. You will find the correct answer for each question below:
1. What does the idiom “bring to the table” most commonly mean?
a) To serve food
b) To contribute skills, ideas, or value
c) To complain about something
d) To leave a discussion
Answer: b) To contribute skills, ideas, or value
2. Which sentence correctly uses “bring to the table”?
a) She brought the plates to the table for dinner.
b) He brings a lot of experience to the table in this project.
c) They brought the table outside.
d) We brought nothing to the table.
Answer: b)
3. When someone says, “What do you bring to the table?” they are asking about your:
a) Favourite food
b) Qualifications and strengths
c) Travel plans
d) Weaknesses only
Answer: b)
4. Identify the correct meaning in this context: “Our new manager brings fresh ideas to the table.”
a) She brings fresh food
b) She offers new ideas
c) She cleaned the table
d) She dislikes old ideas
Answer: b)
5. In a job interview, “bringing something to the table” refers to:
a) Offering snacks
b) Showing teamwork only
c) Presenting your skills and abilities
d) Asking many questions
Answer: c)
6. Which of the following is not something you can “bring to the table”?
a) Creativity
b) Leadership
c) Laziness
d) Experience
Answer: c)
7. Complete the sentence: “If we all bring our strengths to the table, we can _____.”
a) Eat faster
b) Finish this project successfully
c) Build a bigger table
d) Complain more
Answer: b)
8. “The team needs someone who can bring dedication to the table.” What does this imply?
a) The team wants food
b) The team wants a dedicated member
c) The team wants someone to fix the table
d) The team wants fewer members
Answer: b)
9. Choose the sentence where the idiom is used incorrectly:
a) “She brings confidence to the table during presentations.”
b) “This policy brings many benefits to the table.”
c) “Can you bring the chairs to the table?”
d) “He brings problem-solving skills to the table.”
Answer: c)
10. “Bringing something to the table” is usually used in:
a) Discussions about cooking
b) Professional or teamwork contexts
c) Weather reports
d) Sports commentary only
Answer: b)
FAQs
English idioms are expressions that go beyond the literal meanings of their words. They convey figurative meanings that can’t be deciphered just by interpreting each word in isolation. Idioms are commonly used in everyday language.
“Bring it to the table” means contributing something valuable, such as skills, ideas, or resources, to a discussion, project, or team effort. It highlights what you offer.
You can say “add value,” “contribute,” “offer,” “bring strengths,” or “provide expertise.” These alternatives sound professional and express the same idea clearly.
You can say, “I contribute strong analytical skills,” “I offer proven leadership experience,” or “I bring expertise in project management that benefits the team.”
Knowing what you bring to the table helps you communicate your strengths confidently, stand out in job applications, and understand how you add value to a team or organisation.
Related Reads:
This was all about the idiom “Bring to the table” meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
