桌面上

zhuōmiànshang

idiom

Meanings

1 in the open; above-board; on the formal/public side of things

Characters

Examples

这种事不好放在桌面上谈。

Zhè zhǒng shì bù hǎo fàng zài 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, zhuōmiànxià yòu shì lìng yí tào.

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

Tips

usage

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

Stroke Order

桌 zhuō

面 miàn

上 shàng