The Australian TV series, Reef Doctors, has a scene where a doctor with a research interest in venom has been called to a video conference at a short notice. In the conference, she was told a substantial progress in her funding application. Her line manager said,
"There are a few technicalities to iron out. But the funding is definitely on the table."[emphasis on definitely]
Major dictionaries explain 'on the table' as a situation in which a proposal or plan is ready for discussion and negotiation. However it is still unclear what the funding progress actually is. There are two possible meanings:
1. the funding proposal has been assessed on a preliminary basis and the funder is willing to discuss the proposal with the applicant in further details;
2. the funding proposal has gathered management support, and an approved budget was ready except a few minor details.
What do you reckon?
"There are a few technicalities to iron out. But the funding is definitely on the table."[emphasis on definitely]
Major dictionaries explain 'on the table' as a situation in which a proposal or plan is ready for discussion and negotiation. However it is still unclear what the funding progress actually is. There are two possible meanings:
1. the funding proposal has been assessed on a preliminary basis and the funder is willing to discuss the proposal with the applicant in further details;
2. the funding proposal has gathered management support, and an approved budget was ready except a few minor details.
What do you reckon?
