English edit

Etymology edit

Compare French mettre sur le tapis.

Prepositional phrase edit

upon the tapis

  1. (idiomatic) Under discussion or consideration.
    • 1759–1767, [Laurence Sterne], The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, volumes (please specify |volume=I to IX), London: [] T. Becket and P. A. Dehondt, []:
      [] when any thing was supposed to be upon the tapis worth knowing or listening to, it was the rule to leave the door, not absolutely shut, but somewhat ajar []
    • 1837, Edgar Allan Poe, Mystification:
      Of this, however, I was not aware; although, in the present instance, I saw clearly that something of a whimsical nature was upon the tapis with my friend, and that Hermann was its especial object.

Synonyms edit