Bring something to the table.

Posted by R. Berg on March 05, 2003

In Reply to: Bring something to the table. posted by LarryBS on March 04, 2003

: I can't find anything anywhere concerning the origin of the phrase "Bring something to the table," or "Bring to the table." Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

I don't have any solid information here, but I believe the table is one where negotiations take place, as in peace talks, rather than a dining table. More context for the phrase might help.