桌面上

zhuōmiànshang

idiom

Meanings

这种事不好放在桌面上谈。

Zhèzhǒng shì bùhǎo fàngzài zhuōmiànshang tán.

This sort of thing isn't easy to discuss out in the open.

桌面上的规矩一套，桌面下又是另一套。

Zhuōmiànshang de guīju yí tào, zhuōmiàn xià yòushì lìng yí tào.

One set of rules on the table, a different one under it.

usage

Opposes 桌面下 (under the table). Useful for contrasting official talk with real motives — 'on paper' / 'for show' versus the backroom version.

桌 zhuō

面 miàn

上 shàng