ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fence the tables

idiom

To make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's Supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table.


Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    fence in

    To restrict freedom.

  2. 02

    homely as a hedge fence

    Having no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.

  3. 03

    make a Virginia fence

    To walk in a unstable manner due to being intoxicated.

  4. 04

    mud fence

    Something proverbially unattractive or ugly.

  5. 05

    sit on the fence

    To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.

  6. 06

    throw one's hat over the fence

    To commit fully.

  7. 07

    turn the tables

    To reverse a situation, so that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged.

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