Francophonie· medium· informal
se mettre à table
“to put oneself at the table”
Meaning
to admit something you had been hiding
Explanation
Police and underworld slang for finally caving and telling the truth, often under pressure.
Example
Après des heures d'interrogatoire, le suspect a fini par se mettre à table.
After hours of questioning, the suspect finally gave up the truth.
Origin
Possibly a nod to police custody, where the idea is that you only get fed once you've talked.
Source
More like this
- arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupeTo turn up at the worst possible moment
- avaler des couleuvresTo put up with insults without complaining
- avoir bon dosTo serve as a convenient excuse for someone else's failings
- avoir d'autres chats à fouetterto have more important things to do
- avoir de la bouteilleTo have plenty of experience
- avoir du bléto have money