Cool MateCards on the table vs Disclose
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cards on the table
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Disclose
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: DiscloseMost common: Disclose
| Cards on the table | Disclose | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kɑːdz ɒn ðə ˈteɪ.bəl//🇺🇸 //kɑrdz ɑn ðə ˈteɪ.bəl// | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkləʊz//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkloʊz// |
| Meaning | To be open and honest about something. | To make something known or public |
| Example | It's time to put our cards on the table and discuss the budget openly. | The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | put cards on the table, keep cards on the table, have cards on the table | disclose information, disclose a secret, disclose details |
| Antonyms | - | conceal, hide |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cards off the table' which means to withdraw an offer., Used literally instead of as an idiomatic expression. | Confused with 'clothe' - 'disclose' does not involve clothing., Incorrect verb form - using 'discloser' instead of 'disclose'. |
| Usage notes | Use in conversations where honesty is important, such as negotiations or personal discussions. Avoid in formal writing. | Used primarily in formal contexts, such as legal or business environments. Avoid in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cards on the table vs Disclose
What's the difference between Cards on the table and Disclose?
Cards on the table: To be open and honest about something. Disclose: To make something known or public
Which is more formal: Cards on the table and Disclose?
Disclose is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Cards on the table and Disclose?
Disclose is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Cards on the table: It's time to put our cards on the table and discuss the budget openly. Disclose: The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public.
Can I use Cards on the table and Disclose interchangeably?
Not always. Cards on the table and Disclose are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.