table-cover
Noun: - A covering spread over a table, typically for protection or decoration. - The table-cover was made of fine linen. (A cloth spread over a table to protect its surface or add elegance.)
- (A protective covering for a table.)
- (A decorative cloth for a table.)
- "to pull the table-cover out from under someone": a metaphorical expression meaning to suddenly remove support or stability from someone.
- The sudden resignation of the CEO pulled the table-cover out from under the entire company. (The CEO's departure destabilized the organization.)
Tablecloth (n): a cloth used to cover a table, often synonymous with table-cover but more common in everyday speech.
- We spread a white tablecloth over the dining table for the party. (A cloth covering for a table.)
Table runner (n): a narrow piece of fabric placed lengthwise down the center of a table, often used with or without a table-cover.
- The table runner added a pop of color to the table-cover. (A decorative strip of fabric for a table.)
- Cover: something that covers or protects.
- Cloth: a piece of fabric used for covering.
- Drapery: fabric used for decorative covering (less common for tables).
On the table: subject to discussion or consideration (not directly related to table-cover, but uses "table").
- The proposal is still on the table. (Available for discussion.)
Under the table: done secretly or illegally (again, a "table" idiom, not directly tied to table-cover).
- They paid him under the table. (Secret payment to avoid taxes.)
Table-cover is a less common term than tablecloth in modern English; it may appear in formal descriptions or older texts. It specifically refers to any covering (cloth, plastic, etc.) placed on a table, while tablecloth usually implies a fabric covering.