Raise the bar

[0445] Bring to the table

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To contribute something valuable (skills, ideas, resources, experience, etc.) to a discussion, project, negotiation, or group effort.

Origin

  • Evokes the image of people sitting around a table for a meeting, negotiation, or meal.
  • Each person brings their contribution (ideas, proposals, food) to the table for the group to consider or share.
  • Particularly common in negotiation contexts initially (what concessions or offers are you bringing?).

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Contribute
  • Offer
  • Provide
  • Add value
  • Have to offer
  • Put on the table (Similar, often used more for specific proposals or offers in negotiation)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • What's your superpower? (Figurative, asking for unique skill)
  • What ya got? (Very informal, asking what they offer)

Milder/Standard:

  • What can you contribute?
  • What are your relevant skills/ideas?
  • How can you help?

More Formal:

  • What assets/qualifications do you possess relevant to this role/project?
  • Please elaborate on your potential contributions.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very common in professional and business contexts, especially interviews, team meetings, and negotiations.
  • Generally appropriate for semi-formal to formal situations.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Unlikely to be misunderstood, but non-native speakers should recognize it's metaphorical – nothing physical is usually being placed on a table.

Examples

  • When hiring, we look for candidates who bring diverse perspectives to the table.
  • What skills can you bring to the table for this project?
  • Each party needs to bring something to the table if we want to reach an agreement.

Dialogue

Interviewer: We have several qualified candidates. Tell me, what unique strengths do you bring to the table?

Candidate: Well, beyond my technical skills, I bring extensive experience in cross-functional team leadership and a proven track record in launching successful products under budget.

Interviewer: Okay, that experience in leadership is definitely something we need.

Social Media Examples

  • LinkedIn Post: Building a diverse team means having people who bring different experiences and perspectives to the table. #DiversityandInclusion #Teamwork
  • Tweet (Collaboration call): Looking for a UI/UX designer for a side project! What skills can you bring to the table? DM me! #Design #Collaboration
  • Business Article Excerpt: ...successful partnerships depend on what each entity brings to the table.

Response Patterns

  • Stating one's contribution: I bring ten years of marketing experience to the table., I can bring my network of contacts.
  • Asking for clarification: What specifically are you looking for us to bring to the table?
  • Acknowledging contribution: That's valuable, thanks for bringing that to the table.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After asking what someone brings to the table:

  • Listening to their response.
  • Evaluating the relevance and value of their contribution.
  • Asking follow-up questions about their skills/ideas.

After stating what someone brings to the table:

  • The discussion usually incorporates that contribution into the plan or negotiation.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Typically used within specific contexts like hiring, team formation, negotiations, or brainstorming.

Intonation

  • Emphasis often falls on bring and table. BRING to the TABLE.
  • Can also stress the item being brought: What SKILLS can you bring...?

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used by working adults.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Raise the bar
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